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The crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer plane in Kazakhstan on Wednesday continues to raise serious questions about the involvement of Russian air defenses. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has stated that the aircraft was struck by “external physical interference” while in Russian airspace, reinforcing suspicions of a missile strike.
During a phone conversation on Saturday, Aliyev shared evidence with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pointing to “multiple holes in the fuselage” and injuries sustained by passengers and crew as proof of external interference. Eyewitness testimonies from survivors and crew members further supported the claim, according to a statement from the Azerbaijani presidency.
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a public apology to Azerbaijan for the “tragic incident” that claimed 38 lives. However, he stopped short of confirming whether the crash was caused by a missile fired by Russian air defenses. Putin acknowledged the incident occurred while Russian anti-aircraft systems were active, but the Kremlin’s statement provided no clarity on whether a missile hit the plane.
The United States has also suggested that a Russian missile may have been involved, aligning with Azerbaijani suspicions. This has increased international scrutiny on Russia’s role in the crash.
The crash, which occurred as the plane was attempting to divert to Grozny, Russia, during adverse conditions, has prompted investigations by both Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijani authorities have called for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the crash site and evidence.
As diplomatic tensions mount, the international community is closely watching for updates on the investigation and Russia’s official stance on the incident.
