Putin Admits Russian Air Defenses Caused Azerbaijani Jet Crash, Blames Debris
In an effort to mend strained relations, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russian air defenses were responsible for the downing of an Azerbaijani jetliner in December, resulting in 38 fatalities. The Russian missiles, targeting a Ukrainian drone, exploded near the Azerbaijani plane, causing the tragic incident. Putin addressed the situation at a meeting with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, pledging compensation and punishment for those accountable. The event, which occurred as relations between the two countries had already soured, was one of many that resulted in tension.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood