Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev following a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 38 people. The crash involved an Azerbaijan Airlines flight en route from Baku to Grozny, which was mistakenly targeted by Russian air defense systems.
The incident occurred as Russian forces were responding to incoming Ukrainian drones near their borders. The airliner, caught in the crossfire, attempted an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, but tragically crashed before reaching safety.
President Putin expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and extended sympathies to Azerbaijan. He described the crash as a “tragic incident” and assured that both civilian and military experts are conducting a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full details of what transpired.
International leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, have also expressed their condolences over the loss of life. The crash has reignited global concerns over the risks to civil aviation in conflict zones and the need for enhanced safety protocols.
Authorities in Russia and Azerbaijan are cooperating to address the fallout from the tragedy and to ensure accountability. The incident underscores the far-reaching impacts of ongoing military conflicts on civilian safety.
