Baku: Azerbaijan summoned Russian Ambassador Mikhail Yevdokimov to discuss contentious media publications and the ongoing investigation into a plane crash that claimed 38 lives last month. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry expressed concerns over disinformation in Russian media, which they claim contradicts the spirit of the allied interaction agreement between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry emphasized during the meeting that the investigation results into the Azerbaijan Airlines crash are known, and efforts are underway to finalize the probe. The ministry also communicated Azerbaijan's expectations from Russia regarding the incident. The meeting addressed issues surrounding the 'Russian House,' clarifying that its activities are not official and should align with Azerbaijani legislation.

This diplomatic engagement followed Russia's summoning of Azerbaijan's ambassador, Rahman Mustafayev, to discuss bilateral relations and the crash investigation. The crash occurred on December 25, when an Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 fatalities out of 67 passengers.

Initial investigations suggested a bird collision may have caused the crash of the Embraer 190 aircraft. However, footage showing significant damage to the tail section raised speculations of a possible attack. Senior Azerbaijani officials later indicated that a Russian missile system was responsible for the crash.

Following the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the mishap over Russian airspace. President Aliyev demanded an acknowledgment of responsibility, punitive measures against those involved, and compensation for the crash, citing evidence of 'weapons fire from the ground' as the cause of the tail damage.