Putin Apologizes for Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Incident
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an apology to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev concerning a tragic plane crash involving Azerbaijan Airlines in Kazakhstan on December 25. The Kremlin described the incident as occurring within Russian airspace during a period of Ukrainian drone attacks on several Russian cities, including Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz. Putin explained that while the aircraft was attempting to land, it was affected by an unidentified interference, leading to its loss of control.
Aliyev highlighted that the passenger plane experienced "external physical and technical interference" while trying to navigate Russian airspace. This led to the aircraft diverting to Aktau, Kazakhstan, where it ultimately crashed, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 individuals. Survivors reported multiple injuries from foreign debris penetrating the cabin during flight.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded clear explanations from Russia regarding the crash, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation. The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, echoed this sentiment, calling for a swift and independent probe into the incident, drawing parallels to the Malaysia Airlines MH17 disaster.
Tensions continue to escalate, as Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) recently claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian assassination plot, while Ukraine escalates its offensive, reportedly striking drone maintenance facilities within Russia.
Amid these developments, the Biden administration is expected to announce additional military aid for Ukraine, including crucial air defense systems, before the imminent transition to a new U.S. president. The international community watches closely as both nations navigate the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
