Following a deadly Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan, Vladimir Putin offered an apology to Azerbaijan, stating the incident occurred in Russian airspace, but avoided taking responsibility. The UK, however, rejected this apology, demanding a full and independent investigation into the incident, citing Russia’s reckless actions as a threat to international security. Multiple sources, including the White House and US military officials, suggest Russian air defenses may have mistakenly shot down the plane. Ukraine also called for a transparent explanation and cessation of disinformation from Russia.
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Putin’s expression of regret to Aliyev regarding the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash raises more questions than it answers. The apology itself, framed as sorrow over the incident occurring in Russian airspace, feels deeply inadequate. It lacks any genuine acceptance of responsibility, a crucial element for a sincere apology. The Kremlin’s attempt to justify the event by citing simultaneous Ukrainian drone attacks on Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz falls flat. While these attacks may have heightened tensions, they do not excuse the downing of a civilian airliner. The claim that Russian air defense systems were involved is presented without direct admission of culpability, leaving the impression of a carefully crafted narrative intended to deflect blame.… Continue reading
Following a December 25th crash in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan’s transport minister stated that the Azerbaijan Airlines plane suffered “external interference,” resulting in both internal and external damage. Survivors reported hearing three blasts while the aircraft was over Grozny, Chechnya, leading to speculation that Russian air defenses were involved. While the Kremlin remains silent, Russia cited a “closed-skies protocol” due to Ukrainian drone attacks, and US officials have expressed early indications supporting the theory of Russian air defense involvement. Azerbaijani officials, while avoiding direct accusations, suggest the plane was struck by shrapnel from a missile, impacting its GPS and hydraulic systems.
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President Zelenskyy asserted that mounting evidence implicates Russia in the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan, drawing parallels to the 2014 downing of MH17 by a Russian missile. He offered condolences to Azerbaijan and warned that Russia’s potential disinformation campaign necessitates unified international pressure to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The December 25th crash killed 38, with Azerbaijani officials citing evidence of external interference, including perforations in the aircraft’s fuselage. Zelenskyy’s statement highlights the growing suspicion surrounding Russia’s involvement in the tragedy.
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An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet crashed in Kazakhstan after sustaining damage over Russian airspace, resulting in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors. Investigations suggest the plane may have been struck by Russian air defenses, a theory supported by analysts. Following the incident, several airlines, including Azerbaijan Airlines, El Al, Flydubai, and Qazaq Air, temporarily suspended flights to various Russian cities, citing safety concerns and the ongoing investigation. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety of Russian airspace, potentially impacting future flight routes and Russian aviation revenue.
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Following a recent Embraer 190 aircraft accident, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has suspended flights from Baku to ten Russian cities. This precautionary measure, effective December 28th, 2024, is due to ongoing investigations into potential flight safety risks and was mandated by the Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Agency. The suspension impacts both AZAL and other airlines operating routes to these destinations, and affected passengers are offered refunds or free ticket changes. The temporary flight halt aims to ensure passenger and crew safety until the investigation concludes.
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The downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives, points to a deeply disturbing incident. Preliminary findings from Azerbaijan’s investigation strongly suggest that Russian air defenses were responsible. This conclusion, supported by multiple sources, alleges that a missile, likely from a Pantsir system, exploded near the aircraft, causing catastrophic damage and leading to its crash. The severity of the damage, evidenced by holes in the rear fuselage and the fact that the plane didn’t crash immediately, supports the theory of a near miss causing significant structural failure.
This incident raises profound questions about the competence and accountability of Russian air defenses.… Continue reading
An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed in Aqtau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. While speculation arose regarding a possible attack, evidenced by purported damage to the plane’s tail and wing, and conflicting reports of a Ukrainian attack on Chechnya, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to hypothesize on the cause. Multiple survivors reported unusual events prior to the crash, including a loud impact and struggles with altitude, prompting investigations by Kazakhstan, Russia, and Azerbaijan. Official statements from various leaders emphasized the need to await investigation results before determining the cause.
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An Azerbaijani Airlines plane crashed in Kazakhstan on December 25th, killing 38 of the 67 passengers and crew. Independent Russian media outlets report the plane may have been struck by a Russian surface-to-air missile, citing evidence of missile damage to the aircraft and eyewitness accounts of an explosion. This theory is supported by reports of drone attacks on Chechnya that morning. While Russian authorities initially attributed the crash to a bird strike, the recovered black box is expected to clarify the cause.
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Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, carrying 69 passengers from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after an emergency landing attempt due to fog. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities, with the remaining passengers surviving. The aircraft, carrying mostly Azerbaijani nationals along with passengers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, caught fire upon impact. An investigation into the cause of the crash, including unconfirmed reports of a bird strike, is underway.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood