Putin: Russian aircraft with medical aid on way to Kazakhstan following Azerbaijani plane crash

A Russian Emergency Ministry aircraft, carrying medical personnel and vital equipment, is en route to the site of the recent passenger plane crash in Aktau, Kazakhstan, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking during an informal meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) leaders, Putin confirmed that the aircraft was dispatched in coordination with Kazakhstan’s president, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"The aircraft, equipped with medical staff and essential supplies, is on its way to Aktau," Putin announced.

On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, flight J2-8243, travelling from Baku to Grozny, was diverted to Aktau following an emergency landing and subsequently crashed near the city. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

The aircraft carried 67 people, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. Initial reports indicate that 32 individuals have been identified as survivors, with some in critical condition.

In response to the tragedy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has instructed the formation of a state commission, led by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, to determine the cause of the crash.

 A delegation, including the Ministers of Emergency Situations and Digital Development and Transport, has also been sent to Kazakhstan. The Azerbaijani Consulate in Aktau is actively coordinating with local emergency services.

By Aghakazim Guliyev