Face of Russian officer allegedly responsible for AZAL downing identified

Minval Politika has published the name and photograph of a Russian military officer allegedly involved in the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger aircraft on 25 December 2024.

According to the outlet, Dmitry Sergeyevich Paladichuk served as the commander of vehicle No. 274 within a Pantsir-S air defence system, part of the 1st Battalion of the 80th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment under Russia’s 14th Army of the Aerospace Forces and Air Defence. Minval Politika reports, citing unnamed sources, that this unit was responsible for launching the missile that struck the aircraft.

The incident led to the deaths of 38 people. Among the 67 on board, 29 survived the crash, with several sustaining serious injuries. The Embraer E-190 was en route from Baku to Grozny when it was downed near the Kazakh city of Aktau.

No official response has been issued by Russian authorities regarding the publication or the allegations. There have been no reported disciplinary actions against individuals in connection with the incident.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated this week that Azerbaijan is preparing to pursue legal action against Russia in international courts. Azerbaijani officials claim the strike violated international aviation norms and are seeking accountability through legal channels.

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News Politics AZAL AZAL plane crash Dmitry Sergeyevich Paladichuk Azerbaijan Russia Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash Aktau plane crash