Russia
By Chris Williams
Russia has stated that it will refrain from commenting on the deadly crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane until an official investigation is concluded. This follows reports suggesting that the jet may have been targeted by a Russian air defence missile, raising tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia.
The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet, carrying 67 passengers and crew, crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau on Wednesday, killing 38 people. The tragic event has sparked widespread speculation about the causes of the crash, with both aviation experts and government officials weighing in.
Incident Details: What Happened?
The ill-fated flight was scheduled to travel from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya in southern Russia. However, for reasons yet to be determined, the plane diverted significantly off course across the Caspian Sea before crashing near Aktau, an important oil and gas hub in Kazakhstan.
The circumstances surrounding the crash have raised questions about flight safety and geopolitical tensions in the region. Preliminary reports suggest that the plane might have been struck by a missile. The Azerbaijani website Caliber, citing unnamed officials, claimed that a Russian Pantsir-S air defence system may have been involved.
Russia’s Initial Response
Russian authorities have remained tight-lipped about the allegations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “An investigation is underway, and until the conclusions of the investigation, we do not consider we have the right to make any comments and we will not do so.”
While Russia has not officially acknowledged any involvement, the country’s silence on the matter has drawn criticism from Azerbaijani lawmakers and international observers.
Azerbaijan’s Reaction
The crash has sparked outrage in Azerbaijan, with demands for accountability. Azerbaijani lawmaker Rasim Musabekov called on Russia to apologise, take responsibility, and provide compensation to the victims’ families.
“They have to accept this, punish those to blame, promise that such a thing will not happen again, express regrets and readiness to pay compensation,” Musabekov said in an interview.
Musabekov also criticised the handling of the emergency situation, alleging that the plane was denied landing at Grozny airport despite being damaged mid-air. “Instead, the plane was not allowed to land at Grozny or nearby Russian airports and was sent far away across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan with GPS switched off,” he added.
Suspension of Flights to Russian Cities
In response to the incident, Azerbaijan Airlines announced the suspension of flights to seven Russian cities, citing “flight safety risks.” Earlier, the airline had already stopped flights to Grozny and Makhachkala in Dagestan, a region bordering Chechnya.
This move reflects growing safety concerns and the strain in relations between Azerbaijan and Russia following the crash.
Aviation and Military Experts Weigh In
Some aviation and military analysts have suggested that the Embraer 190 might have been accidentally shot down by Russian air defence systems. These claims are linked to reports of Ukrainian drone activity in the area, which may have heightened alert levels for Russian air defences.
Experts argue that if air defences were active near Grozny airport, airspace should have been closed to civilian flights. “If there was a threat of interception or any military activity, proper protocols should have been in place to divert civilian aircraft safely,” one aviation expert noted.
Geopolitical Implications
The crash has added tension to already complex relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. In recent years, the two nations have cooperated on various fronts, including energy projects and trade agreements. However, the incident threatens to strain diplomatic ties, particularly if Russia is found to be at fault.
Observers have noted parallels to previous incidents, such as the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014, which was attributed to a missile fired from Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine. Such comparisons underscore the potential fallout from this latest tragedy.
Victim Recovery and Investigation
The crash site near Aktau has been cordoned off, with Kazakh authorities working alongside Azerbaijani officials to recover the remains of victims and debris from the wreckage. Investigators are analysing black box data to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Kazakh authorities have pledged full transparency in the investigation, while international aviation experts have called for an independent inquiry to ensure impartiality.
Demands for Justice
The families of the 38 victims have joined lawmakers in demanding accountability. Many are calling for a thorough investigation and swift action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“The loss of life is devastating, and we must ensure that the truth comes out. Justice must be served for the victims and their families,” said a relative of one of the passengers.
Historical Context: Civilian Aircraft and Military Activity
This incident is the latest in a series of events highlighting the risks posed to civilian aircraft in conflict zones or regions with heightened military activity. The use of air defence systems near civilian air routes has long been a concern for aviation safety experts.
In recent years, several high-profile cases have drawn attention to the need for stricter regulations and better coordination between military and civilian aviation authorities.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, the focus will be on uncovering the truth behind the crash. Both Azerbaijan and Russia face pressure to cooperate fully and ensure that justice is served.
For Azerbaijan Airlines, the incident has prompted a reevaluation of flight safety protocols, particularly for routes involving Russian airspace. Meanwhile, the international community is watching closely, with the outcome of the investigation likely to have far-reaching implications for regional security and aviation safety.
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