Russian President Putin apologises to Azerbaijan following tragic airplane crash

On December 28, President Vladimir Putin of Russia extended his apologies to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev following a tragic incident involving an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane on December 25. 

The aircraft, operating on the Baku-Grozny route, was subjected to external physical-technical interference while in Russian airspace, resulting in a crash that claimed lives and left others injured.

During a phone call between the two leaders, President Putin expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as his wishes for a swift recovery to the injured, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

President Ilham Aliyev stated that the passenger plane of Azerbaijan Airlines, while in Russian airspace, was subjected to external physical-technical interference, lost control, and was redirected towards Aktau city in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that it was only due to the bravery and professionalism of the pilots that a crash landing was achieved.

The Azerbaijani president also pointed out that numerous holes were found on the fuselage of the aircraft, and while still in the air, passengers and crew members were injured by foreign objects that pierced the aircraft’s hull. He stressed that the testimonies of the surviving flight attendants and passengers confirmed the fact of external physical-technical interference.

During the conversation, the heads of state discussed the serious and comprehensive investigation of all the details of this tragedy and the accountability of those responsible.

President Aliyev stated that, at Azerbaijan's initiative, a team of international experts has been formed to thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident, and this team has already begun its work.

The heads of state also emphasized that the investigation process related to the tragedy would be conducted in a fully transparent manner, with regular updates provided to the public.

The crash occurred on December 25, when an Embraer aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, flying from Baku to Grozny, tragically went down near Aktau. The flight had 67 people on board, including 37 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, 6 Kazakhs, and 3 Kyrgyz nationals. Tragically, 38 people lost their lives, while 29 survivors were rescued.

By Vugar Khalilov