In a candid exchange under Dushanbe's skyline, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that Moscow will cover compensation after last December's tragic jet crash near Aktau.
The Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines, operating Flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, went down on December 25, 2024. Of the 67 passengers and crew onboard, 38 lost their lives.
Putin suggested that fragments from two Russian missiles96likely triggered by their self-destruction systems96struck the plane. He explained that Russia was monitoring three Ukrainian drones crossing its border when its air defense system experienced technical malfunctions.
Black box data revealed the pilot was initially advised to make an emergency landing in Makhachkala after a suspected bird strike. Instead, the crew opted to return toward their home base before heading on to Kazakhstan.
Putin added that Russia will handle all necessary steps in these tragic circumstances, from compensation payments to a full legal assessment of the officials involved.
Aliyev welcomed the update, thanking Putin for his personal oversight and stressing that the investigation will examine every detail objectively.
This case underscores the complex interplay between military operations and civilian aviation, highlighting the urgent need for improved airspace safety measures amid regional tensions.
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Putin says Russia will pay compensation over Azerbaijani jet crash
cgtn.com
