Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss the December 25 crash of an AZAL passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Kremlin press service confirmed the details of the discussion.
The incident occurred as the Azerbaijani aircraft attempted to land in Grozny amidst Ukrainian drone attacks and Russian air defense operations. The Kremlin noted that the plane, adhering to its scheduled route, made several attempts to land in Grozny while nearby cities such as Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz faced drone assaults. Russian air defense systems were actively repelling the attacks during this time.
Putin expressed his apologies to Aliyev for the incident occurring in Russian airspace and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. "Vladimir Putin conveyed his apologies for the tragic event that unfolded in Russian airspace and reiterated his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured," the Kremlin statement read.
The call was initiated by the Russian side.
Joint Investigation Underway
Russian authorities, including the Investigative Committee and Prosecutor General’s Office, are collaborating with their Azerbaijani counterparts to investigate the crash. Two Azerbaijani prosecutors are currently working in Grozny alongside Russian investigators.
The Investigative Committee of Russia has launched a criminal case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code, addressing violations of transportation safety and operational rules. Initial investigative actions are underway, involving the interrogation of civilian and military specialists.
According to the Kremlin, "Two officials from Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General's Office are in Grozny, working jointly with their Russian counterparts." Additionally, the investigation involves cooperation among relevant agencies from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS