Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has publicly accused Russia of accidentally shooting down an Azerbaijan Airlines jet on Christmas Day and attempting to cover up the incident. Speaking in a televised interview on Sunday, Aliyev criticized Moscow for failing to acknowledge its role and for promoting misleading theories about the crash, which killed 38 people and left 29 survivors.
Aliyev: “Clear Evidence of Ground Fire”
Aliyev stated unequivocally that the damage to the plane was caused by ground fire from Russian air defenses.
“The damage to the plane was due to shooting from the ground,” Aliyev said, dismissing earlier claims of alternative causes, including a bird strike or an onboard gas cylinder explosion.
The downed civilian airliner was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when passengers reported hearing a blast. The plane diverted from its course and ultimately crash-landed near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Putin Apologizes but Stops Short of Admission
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered an apology to Aliyev in a phone call but avoided admitting responsibility. Putin suggested the crash occurred amid heightened military activity in the region, as Russian air defenses were countering Ukrainian drone attacks near Grozny.
Aliyev criticized Russia’s initial handling of the incident, calling the silence and misdirection in the first days after the crash “unbecoming.”
“For the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except for some absurd theories,” Aliyev said. He emphasized the importance of transparency, adding, “Admitting guilt and apologizing in a timely manner to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, should have been the immediate response.”
Alleged Cover-Up and Miscommunication
Aliyev accused “some circles” in Russia of attempting to obscure the truth about the crash by disseminating false explanations.
“This clearly showed that the Russian side wanted to cover up the issue,” Aliyev said, though he stopped short of naming specific individuals or agencies responsible for the alleged misdirection.
Despite his criticism, Aliyev maintained that the incident was accidental and not a deliberate act of terror.
“There can be no talk of a deliberate act here,” he said, emphasizing that Azerbaijan still considers Russia a friendly nation.
The Crash: What We Know
The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, carrying 67 people, was reportedly attempting to land in Grozny, Russia, when it came under fire. Survivors reported hearing a loud explosion before the plane diverted hundreds of kilometers off course and crashed. Investigations by Azerbaijani officials suggest the plane was damaged by shrapnel from Russian air defense systems.
Russian investigators and aviation authorities are probing the incident, but details remain scant. Azerbaijan has launched its own investigation and is collaborating with Kazakh officials at the crash site near Aktau.
Fallout and Tensions
The crash and its aftermath have strained relations between Moscow and Baku, despite Aliyev’s efforts to frame the incident as a tragic mistake. Airlines in Azerbaijan have already suspended flights to most Russian cities pending the outcome of investigations.
The controversy also highlights the dangers of heightened military activity in civilian airspace, a growing concern as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate.
The Road Ahead
While both sides have committed to thorough investigations, the differing narratives from Moscow and Baku underscore the challenges of resolving the incident transparently. Aliyev’s strong words signal that Azerbaijan expects accountability from Russia, but whether Moscow fully acknowledges responsibility remains to be seen.