Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that Russian air defence systems were active when an Azerbaijani Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane crashed in Russian airspace, killing 38 of the 67 people onboard.
The incident occurred as the plane attempted multiple landings in Grozny, Chechnya. In a Saturday phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin expressed his condolences and regret for the tragedy, but he did not confirm whether Russian defences were responsible for the crash.
Azerbaijan responded firmly, asserting that the crash was caused by "external physical and technical interference" while the plane was in Russian airspace. President Aliyev called for accountability, stating that those responsible for the incident must face consequences.
This strong statement contrasts with Putin’s explanation, which focused on the operational circumstances of Russian air defences.
According to the Kremlin, the Grozny region, along with Mozdok and Vladikavkaz, was under attack by Ukrainian combat drones at the time of the crash. Putin acknowledged that Russian air defence systems were actively repelling these threats during the plane's attempts to land.
The Azerbaijani presidency emphasized that the plane lost control due to external interference, leaving no doubt about its belief in Russian involvement.
The Kremlin, however, has not directly addressed these accusations, maintaining that its defences were engaged in countering drone threats.
The crash, which occurred three days ago on a flight from Baku to Grozny, has sparked international scrutiny.
Western analysts have suggested that Russian forces may have inadvertently downed the aircraft, and the United States has reported "early indications" supporting the theory that the plane was shot down.
This incident has the potential to strain relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, two nations that share a history of political and economic cooperation.
The tragedy has raised critical questions about the safety of civilian aircraft in regions experiencing active military operations.
As investigations unfold, both nations are under pressure to uncover the truth and address the international implications of this devastating event.