Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Russia was responsible for the downing of a tragic Azerbaijani aircraft that resulted in the loss of 38 lives on Christmas Day. Initially denying involvement, Moscow now admits that Russian air defenses mistakenly targeted a Ukrainian drone, causing missiles to detonate near the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane, leading to what was described as a “technical malfunction.”
In a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin publicly took responsibility for the incident, aiming to ease tensions between the two neighboring countries following the aviation disaster. The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, Chechnya’s capital, crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan, claiming the lives of 38 out of 67 passengers aboard on December 25. Putin pledged to hold those accountable and ensure compensation during a summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Expressing condolences, Putin emphasized the need for compensation and accountability, recognizing the irreplaceable loss suffered by the victims’ families. Aliyev commended Putin for his personal oversight of the situation, having previously criticized Moscow for attempting to conceal the truth.
Initially, authorities in Baku alleged that the Embraer 190 jet was mistakenly struck by Russian fire before attempting an emergency landing in western Kazakhstan. While Putin previously expressed regret to Aliyev, he refrained from accepting blame, with Kremlin officials outright denying any involvement.
The incident has strained relations between Moscow and Baku, already tense due to previous events, such as the deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russian custody and mutual arrests. Both leaders expressed hope for improved bilateral relations moving forward, particularly crucial for Russia amid its conflict with Ukraine, as Azerbaijan plays a vital role in facilitating Russia’s trade routes.
Furthermore, Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, has become instrumental in supporting Russia economically amid Western sanctions. Russia remains a significant market for Azerbaijan’s agricultural exports, while hosting a sizable Azerbaijani community.
