Dushanbe: Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to ensure compensation for the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) crash in Kazakhstan, which he attributed to Ukrainian drone activity in Russian airspace. During a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the Tajik capital, Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to fulfilling all necessary obligations regarding the tragic event.
According to Anadolu Agency, the bilateral talks in Dushanbe, ahead of a Commonwealth of Independent States summit, saw Putin reiterate his earlier apology for the crash. He assured that Russia is actively assisting the investigation into the December plane crash and will provide a legal evaluation of officials' actions related to the incident. The investigation is nearing completion, with Putin linking the crash to Ukrainian drones and technical failures in Russia's air defense system.
Putin explained that two missiles fired by Moscow did not directly hit the plane but exploded nearby, causing damage likely from missile debris. He stressed the importance of an objective assessment to determine the true causes of the crash. He also mentioned that the AZAL pilots were advised to land in Makhachkala, Russia, but chose to return to Kazakhstan instead.
Aliyev expressed gratitude for Putin's oversight of the investigation and the information shared on the crash. The incident has strained Azerbaijan and Russia's relations, described by the Kremlin as a "difficult period." The crash on December 25, 2024, resulted in the deaths of 38 out of 67 passengers and crew.
Following the crash, Putin offered condolences and apologized for the incident occurring in Russian airspace near Grozny Airport. Aliyev had accused Russia of inadvertently shooting down the plane and called for accountability and compensation. He warned of seeking international justice, to which the Kremlin responded that Azerbaijan has the right to file a lawsuit and Russia would await official verdicts.
In spite of the tensions, Putin highlighted the growth in bilateral trade and economic relations, noting a significant increase in trade turnover. He expressed optimism for continued cooperation on the international stage, while Aliyev confirmed the successful implementation of bilateral roadmaps and noted recent discussions at a Russian-Azerbaijani intergovernmental commission meeting.