President Aliyev states the crashed jet was shot down by Russian air defenses, escalating tensions between the countries.
**Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Causing Fatal Plane Crash**
**Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Causing Fatal Plane Crash**
Azerbaijani President demands accountability and compensation from Moscow.
In a stark escalation of diplomatic tensions, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev condemned Russia on Sunday for the downing of an Azerbaijani passenger jet that occurred last week. The Embraer 190, which was on a route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, tragically crashed in Kazakhstan, leading to the loss of 38 lives out of 67 on board—many of whom were Azerbaijani nationals.
The crash, attributed to what officials describe as interference with the jet's navigation systems followed by an external impact, has sparked intense scrutiny and accusations. "We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia," President Aliyev stressed during a national broadcast, demanding that Moscow not only apologize but also take full responsibility for the incident.
Aliyev's criticism came after Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a vague apology one day prior, which was deemed insufficient by Azerbaijan. Aliyev asserted, “First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished,” highlighting his call for accountability amidst mounting evidence from both Azerbaijani and international aviation officials, who believe the aircraft may have been struck by a Russian missile.
As diplomatic ties hang in the balance, the unresolved issue of accountability has led to growing unrest among the families of the victims, who are now demanding justice and clarity regarding the tragic incident. Meanwhile, Moscow has not formally accepted any culpability, further complicating an already fraught relationship between the two former Soviet nations.
The crash, attributed to what officials describe as interference with the jet's navigation systems followed by an external impact, has sparked intense scrutiny and accusations. "We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia," President Aliyev stressed during a national broadcast, demanding that Moscow not only apologize but also take full responsibility for the incident.
Aliyev's criticism came after Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a vague apology one day prior, which was deemed insufficient by Azerbaijan. Aliyev asserted, “First, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished,” highlighting his call for accountability amidst mounting evidence from both Azerbaijani and international aviation officials, who believe the aircraft may have been struck by a Russian missile.
As diplomatic ties hang in the balance, the unresolved issue of accountability has led to growing unrest among the families of the victims, who are now demanding justice and clarity regarding the tragic incident. Meanwhile, Moscow has not formally accepted any culpability, further complicating an already fraught relationship between the two former Soviet nations.
