A passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines was shot down in Russian airspace on December 25, 2024. The tragic incident claimed 38 lives and injured 29 others. Below is a detailed account of the process and its aftermath.
The Initial Incident
The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, faced difficulties landing due to heavy fog. After a failed landing attempt, it was rerouted to Aktau Airport. However, while on its way to the alternative destination, it was mistakenly struck by Russian air defense systems.
Russian officials explained that the incident occurred as a result of their air defense systems being triggered during a response to Ukrainian drone attacks.
Putin’s Apology and Russia’s Responsibility
Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to apologize. Putin described the incident as a tragic error and assured that it would be thoroughly investigated.
The Azerbaijani government, however, held Russia accountable, emphasizing that the incident stemmed from negligence and demanded justice under international law.
International Reactions
The incident drew widespread condemnation globally. Many countries criticized Russia, stating that such a tragedy involving civilians was unacceptable. Calls were made for a reevaluation of international aviation safety standards to prevent similar occurrences.
Public Reaction in Azerbaijan
A national day of mourning was declared in Azerbaijan following the tragedy. Memorial ceremonies were held for the victims, while public outrage against Russia intensified on social media and in public forums. Azerbaijan Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Russia.
The Investigation Process
A joint investigation commission involving Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan was established to examine the incident. Preliminary findings indicated that the shooting down of the plane was an error, exacerbated by technical and operational shortcomings.
Outcomes and Future Steps
This tragic event remains a dark chapter in the history of civil aviation. Experts unanimously agree that international protocols need to be tightened to prevent similar disasters.
Discussions between Russia and Azerbaijan regarding compensation and Russia’s acknowledgment of its responsibility are ongoing. However, the incident’s impact on international relations is likely to persist for the foreseeable future.
