Tensions Rise: Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Fatal Plane Incident

An Azerbaijan airline carry 67 passengers has crashed in Russian Airspace
Azerbaijani president has blamed Russia for the accident
The accident resulted in the deaths of 38 passengers

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of bearing responsibility for the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane last month, which resulted in the deaths of 38 passengers.

The Embraer 190 jet crash-landed in Kazakhstan on December 25 after being diverted from its intended landing in Grozny, a city in southern Russia.

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The tragic incident has sparked tensions between the two nations, as Moscow acknowledged that its air defenses were active in the area at the time.

Russia claims the region was under attack from Ukrainian drones, a situation it described as a contributing factor.

However, Azerbaijan alleges the plane was struck by Russian weaponry, an assertion that Moscow has not formally addressed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed regret over the occurrence, apologizing that the crash took place within Russian airspace but stopping short of accepting responsibility for the alleged strike.

In a statement on Monday, President Aliyev placed blame squarely on Russia.

“The guilt for the death of Azerbaijani citizens lies with representatives of the Russian Federation,” Aliyev stated during a meeting with surviving crew members and the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

The Embraer 190 jet was carrying 67 passengers when it attempted to divert from its scheduled route. The crash has left grieving families demanding accountability and has strained diplomatic relations between Baku and Moscow.

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The Azerbaijani government has called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved. Meanwhile, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, as it unfolds against the backdrop of broader regional tensions involving Russia and Ukraine.

The crash underscores growing concerns over aviation safety in areas affected by geopolitical conflicts, highlighting the risks faced by civilian aircraft operating in contested airspace.