Breaking: Azerbaijan President Blames Russia for Airliner Crash, Denounces ‘False Versions’
Baku, Azerbaijan – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has pointed the finger at Russia for the tragic Airzakhstan Airlines passenger plane crash that occurred on December 25 near the Kazakh city of Aktau, killing 38 people. According to Reuters, Aliyev stated that the plane was damaged by fire from Russia’s territory.
Aliyev expressed his condolences for the victims and vented his frustration against certain circles within Russia, whom he accuses of attempting to obfuscate the truth and spread false narratives about the crash’s cause. KazTAG, a local news agency, reported his statement. "Some circles in Russia are trying to hide the truth and spread false information about the reasons for this tragedy," Aliyev stated.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his sympathies to Aliyev regarding the incident, saying "I want to Express my deepest sympathy to you, Ilham Heydarogli, and to the people of Azerbaijan over this tragedy, which occurred in Russian airspace," as reported by the Kremlin‘s press service.
Putin’s account of the event diverges from Aliyev’s. He mentioned that the plane attempted an emergency landing in Grozny amid Ukrainian drone attacks, necessitating the activation of Russia’s air defense systems.
The crash of Airzakhstan Airlines Flight QZH142 has left both countries grappling with differing accounts, generating tension in their diplomatic relations. As investigations continue, the international community awaits clarification on the events leading up to the tragic incident.
