Azerbaijan Blames Ukraine – Reddit”>Russia for Deadly Plane Crash; 38 Dead
Azerbaijan has accused Russia of responsibility in the deadly crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane on Saturday, killing all 38 on board. The incident occurred near Grozny, Chechnya, as the plane attempted to land. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the tragedy.
Russia’s Initial Response
Russia’s Defense Ministry initially acknowledged that its air defense systems were active in the area due to Ukrainian drone attacks. However, it has not explicitly confirmed that the plane was hit by a Russian missile. President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, blaming the incident on the Ukrainian drone activity.
Azerbaijan’s Stance
Aliyev, in a phone call with Putin, asserted that the plane crash was due to "external physical and technical interference" in Russian airspace. Azerbaijan’s presidential office issued a statement confirming that the plane lost control after encountering "external physical and technical obstacles," resulting in a complete loss of control.
International Reaction
Estonian President Alar Karis called for a thorough investigation, stating, "We need a transparent and detailed investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability."
European Union’s (EU) foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, offered condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for a full investigation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, "Once again, Russian military activities result in a tragedy. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash."
Eyewitness Accounts
Survivors of the crash reported hearing loud noises and feeling intense heat inside the aircraft before it crashed. Azerbaijani authorities have launched an investigation in coordination with Russian and international aviation experts.
Search and Rescue Operations
Rescue teams are currently at the scene, searching for any remaining survivors. So far, 29 people have been confirmed alive, with many sustaining serious injuries.
The tragic incident has shocked both countries and drawn international attention, with calls for a transparent investigation into the cause of the crash and discussions on future air safety measures in the region.
Tagline: Tragedy in the Skies: Putin Blamed for Deadly Azerbaijan Plane Crash
