Kremlin Denies Role in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash Amid Mounting Evidence
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.
John Q. Hosedrinker