Russia refuses to comment on the Azerbaijani Airlines plane crash

The Kremlin has declined to comment on the Azerbaijani Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan, saying that they are waiting for the official investigation results.

On December 27, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to a question regarding Azerbaijani reports that Russian air defenses had downed an Azerbaijani Airlines plane. When asked about a demand from Azerbaijani parliament member Rasim Musabekov for an apology from Russia, Peskov reiterated the Kremlin's position, stating that no comment could be made until the official investigation concludes.

Peskov said, "Of course, we have seen it. But I repeat once again that I have nothing to add to what I have already said. The investigation of this aviation incident is underway. And until conclusions of this investigation, we do not consider ourselves free to make any assessment and will not do it."

He further emphasized that only aviation authorities could assess the incident, stating, "We have our aviation authorities that can do it. It is only they who can provide any information. As for us, we do not consider ourselves free to comment on it."

While the Kremlin has declined to comment on the specifics of the crash, Azerbaijani government sources have shared new details. Preliminary findings suggest the plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, was struck by the Russian Pantsir-S air defense system as it approached Grozny. Russian electronic warfare systems are believed to have disabled the aircraft’s communication systems, causing it to disappear from radar while in Russian airspace and reappear near the Caspian Sea.

Russian sources have confirmed that, at the time of the crash, air defense forces were engaged in efforts to shoot down Ukrainian UAVs over Chechnya. Khamzat Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Security Council, confirmed a drone attack on Grozny on December 25, although he reported no casualties or damage. This raised questions about why Russian airspace was not closed to civilian aircraft during this time.

Further reports indicate that the Grozny airport, as well as airports in Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody, denied the plane permission to land. The flight crew, disoriented by the air defense fire and electronic warfare, was advised to land in Aktau, Kazakhstan. Some speculate that the recommendation was aimed at forcing the plane into the Caspian Sea, eliminating all witnesses.

Azerbaijani officials do not suggest the attack was intentional but are calling on Russia to take responsibility for the incident and conduct a full investigation to hold those accountable.

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