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The United States has suggested early indications point to Russian involvement in the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that killed 38 people on December 25. White House spokesman John Kirby noted these signals went beyond public photos of the damaged aircraft but offered no further details.
The Embraer 190 aircraft was reportedly diverted from its original course after facing challenges near Grozny, Chechnya. It eventually crashed in Kazakhstan. Aviation experts and witnesses have raised concerns about external interference, including possible electronic jamming and shrapnel damage from a missile.
Initial reports suggest the plane’s navigation systems may have been disrupted by electronic warfare measures. Survivors recounted hearing three explosions mid-flight over Grozny, indicating the plane may have been struck before its fatal descent. Azerbaijan’s transport minister, Rashad Nabiyev, confirmed “external interference,” and investigators are probing what type of weapon may have been involved.
While Azerbaijan has stopped short of directly accusing Russia, pro-government MP Rasim Musabekov was unequivocal. He asserted the plane was “shot down over Russian territory, in the skies above Grozny,” blaming Russian authorities for failing to direct the plane to a nearby airport.
The Kremlin has refused to comment on the allegations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urging patience until the investigation concludes. Russian aviation officials acknowledged “complications” in Chechnya due to ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes but did not elaborate.
Kazakh authorities, meanwhile, have been treating survivors and cooperating with Azerbaijan on the investigation. Baku has rejected Russia’s proposal to involve the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in the inquiry, insisting on an international investigation.
The incident has intensified scrutiny on Russia’s air defense practices and raised questions about the region’s air safety. Analysts say the crash could strain Azerbaijan-Russia relations further, as Baku pushes for an impartial investigation.
