A Tragic Incident or Negligence? Azerbaijan’s Aliyev Challenges Russia’s Accountability in Plane Crash
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of shooting down Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190, which tragically crashed on December 25 near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The crash, which killed 38 of the 67 people on board, has sparked a diplomatic standoff, with Aliyev demanding a full admission of responsibility from Moscow.
Aliyev’s remarks, made during an interview with Azerbaijani state television, were unequivocal. “We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia,” he stated, adding that while the act might not have been intentional, it was executed through “electronic warfare and ground fire” over Russian territory, rendering the aircraft uncontrollable.
The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, veered off course across the Caspian Sea before crashing while attempting an emergency landing in Kazakhstan. Survivors have reported hearing loud noises aboard the aircraft as it circled over Grozny, raising suspicions of external interference.
Russian Denials and Deflections
The Kremlin has refuted claims of deliberate involvement, instead asserting that air defense systems near Grozny were engaged in countering a Ukrainian drone strike during the aircraft’s ill-fated descent. Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the event a “tragic incident” in a phone call to Aliyev, offering condolences but stopping short of admitting Moscow’s liability.
Further complicating the narrative, Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, suggested on Friday that dense fog and the closure of Grozny’s airspace due to Ukrainian drone activity may have contributed to the crash. However, these explanations were dismissed by Aliyev as “delirious versions” aimed at diverting attention from Russia’s role in the tragedy.
Azerbaijan’s Three Demands
In a bold move, Aliyev outlined three non-negotiable demands to Russia:
- A formal apology, which Putin delivered on December 28.
- Acknowledgment of guilt and accountability.
- Criminal prosecution of those responsible, along with compensation for Azerbaijan, the victims, and their families.
The second and third demands remain unmet, with Aliyev expressing skepticism over Russia’s willingness to cooperate. “It is no secret that the objectivity of any investigation led by Russian officials would be compromised,” he said, rejecting Russia’s proposal to involve the Moscow-dominated Interstate Aviation Committee in the inquiry. Instead, Azerbaijan has called for an impartial investigation led by international experts.
Geopolitical Undercurrents
The crash comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, with Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine raising questions about the security of civilian airspace. The incident draws uncomfortable parallels to the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine, where a Dutch court found Russia responsible for using a surface-to-air missile.
International aviation experts have noted the chilling similarities between the two incidents, both involving civil aviation accidents linked to military conflicts and geopolitical power struggles.
Calls for Transparency
Aliyev’s criticism of Russia’s handling of the crash underscores a deeper demand for transparency. “For the first three days, we heard nothing but obfuscation from Russian officials,” he lamented, accusing Moscow of attempting to “hush up” the issue.
Meanwhile, a joint investigation by Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan is underway at the crash site. Aliyev has insisted on full access to the plane’s black boxes to establish an unbiased account of events.
A Shared Tragedy, a Divided Response
The crash has left grieving families demanding answers while reigniting global debates over the safety of international airspace near conflict zones. As the investigation continues, the incident raises pressing questions about accountability and the measures needed to prevent similar tragedies.
Whether this diplomatic standoff will lead to justice or deepen geopolitical divides remains to be seen. For now, the voices of 38 lost lives echo loudly in the corridors of power, demanding truth and closure.
