Moscow has assured Azerbaijan of punitive action against those responsible for the catastrophic downing of an Azerbaijani passenger plane. The crash, which occurred on December 25 during a scheduled landing near Grozny in Russia’s Chechnya region, left 38 passengers dead and sparked diplomatic tension between the two nations.
The Tragic Incident
The AZAL Embraer 190 jet, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, had been attempting to land amid heavy fog in Grozny when disaster struck. Reports from survivors paint a harrowing picture: “There were loud explosions near the plane. It felt like we were being attacked,” one survivor said. Faced with critical damage, the pilots diverted the aircraft more than 400 kilometers to the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, where it crash-landed, killing more than half the people on board.
While Russia has launched an investigation into the incident, its official stance remains ambiguous. Azerbaijani officials allege that Russian air defenses mistakenly shot at the plane, compounding the tragedy.
Moscow’s Apology Falls Short
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, in an unprecedented direct criticism of Russia, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the response from Moscow. Aliyev told his nation that President Vladimir Putin had apologized during a weekend phone conversation and acknowledged that air defense systems were operational in the area during the time of the crash. However, the Azerbaijani leader accused Russia of evading responsibility and attempting to obscure the facts.
“The plane was hit by accident,” Aliyev said, “but the Russian side has clearly tried to divert attention by offering alternative narratives that lack credibility.” He also insisted that Moscow formally accept responsibility and commit to transparency in its investigations.
Demands for Accountability
Azerbaijan’s General Prosecutor echoed this sentiment on Monday, revealing that Russia’s Investigative Committee chief had pledged action. “Intensive measures are being carried out to identify the guilty people and bring them to criminal responsibility,” the Azerbaijani statement noted.
Despite these assurances, Russia has yet to publicly confirm whether one of its missiles caused the crash. Critics argue that Moscow’s silence reflects an attempt to shield its military from scrutiny.
The Russian Perspective
Russia’s initial statements suggested that the air defense systems were activated due to an ongoing drone attack from Ukraine, which shares contentious borders with Russia. However, no evidence has been provided to link these drones to the plane’s downing. Instead, conflicting theories from Russian officials have fueled skepticism, with many questioning the country’s commitment to accountability.
Putin’s apology, while notable, has not placated Baku. It marks a rare rift in the otherwise strong relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia, who are traditionally close allies in the region.
Diplomatic Ramifications
Observers warn that the incident could strain ties between the two nations, both members of key regional alliances. Azerbaijan is particularly critical of the suggestion that poor weather conditions were solely to blame. “The crash occurred in Russian airspace. It is Russia’s responsibility to ensure safety for civilian aircraft,” said a senior Azerbaijani official.
Broader Context
The tragedy unfolds against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The alleged use of air defense systems against a civilian aircraft recalls past incidents, such as the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, which also led to protracted investigations and heated diplomatic disputes.
For Azerbaijan, this crash serves as a grim reminder of the volatility in the region. Baku’s vocal demand for justice reflects not only a pursuit of truth but also a strategic assertion of its independence from Moscow’s influence.
Voices of Survivors and Families
For the survivors and the families of the victims, justice remains paramount. A father who lost his daughter in the crash tearfully recounted his pain: “She was full of life, on her way home for the holidays. Now, we only have her memory.”
Others are wary that the incident could be swept under the rug. A survivor questioned whether investigations would lead to tangible results. “Russia has apologized, but is that enough? We need accountability, not just words.”
