Russia must accept responsibility for the Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau that killed 38 people, Azerbaijani MP Tural Ganjali has said. His comments come as Azerbaijan marks the first anniversary of the disaster, which occurred on 25 December 2024.
The Embraer 190 aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was flying from Baku to Grozny when it crashed.
“One year after the Azerbaijani Airlines passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, the incident is obviously an unpunished crash for which Russia is directly responsible,” Ganjali told AnewZ in Baku.
Preliminary findings cited by Azerbaijani officials say the aircraft sustained critical damage after being struck by fragments from a Russian air defence system while approaching Grozny.
Ganjali said Russia’s initial response was marked by delays, alleging that requests from the flight crew to land at airports inside Russia were refused after the aircraft was damaged, forcing the pilots to divert to Kazakhstan.
He added that Moscow only acknowledged the involvement of its air defence systems months later, despite repeated assertions by Azerbaijani authorities.
“Russia’s response demonstrated hostile intent towards Azerbaijan,” Ganjali said, accusing Russian authorities of attempting to deflect responsibility by directing the damaged aircraft away from Russian territory.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has said interim findings show the aircraft suffered external damage consistent with warhead fragments, while stressing that the investigation is focused on aviation safety rather than assigning legal liability. The final report is expected in early 2026.
Ganjali said the lack of a clear admission had hindered accountability and delayed justice for the victims’ families.
“We have not seen any meaningful response from the Russian authorities, only references to investigation results that are not accepted by Azerbaijan,” he said.
Ganjali linked the crash to what he described as broader problems in Russia’s relations with Azerbaijan, saying Moscow’s handling of the incident had damaged bilateral trust.
His comments echo remarks by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who has said Azerbaijan is considering international legal action and has “clear information” about the circumstances of the crash.
Ganjali said Russia needed to address what he described as policy failures in order to rebuild confidence and regional security cooperation.
The renewed calls for accountability came as Azerbaijan marked the anniversary of the disaster with memorial events for the victims.
Memorial events were held on 25 December in Baku and Aktau to honour those killed in the crash.
In Baku, a moment of silence was observed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, while residents and diplomats laid flowers at the crash site in Aktau.
As families continue to seek answers, the final investigation report and Russia’s response remain central to political and public debate in Azerbaijan and the wider region.
Australia and Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security as global fuel markets come under strain from disruption linked to the...
Israeli and Lebanese envoys are set to meet in Washington on Tuesday in a rare U.S.-driven diplomatic effort to halt escalating violence between...
Myanmar’s newly installed president, Min Aung Hlaing, has said his government faces major challenges and must work to restore the country&rsq...
Donald Trump’s flagship plan for post-war Gaza has come under scrutiny after reports that its financing is falling short of expectations, ...
NASA’s Artemis II crew has returned safely to Earth after completing a landmark journey around the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar missi...
Australia and Singapore have agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security as global fuel markets come under strain from disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli and Lebanese envoys are set to meet in Washington on Tuesday in a rare U.S.-driven diplomatic effort to halt escalating violence between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
Myanmar’s newly installed president, Min Aung Hlaing, has said his government faces major challenges and must work to restore the country’s international standing, including rebuilding strained ties with Southeast Asia after years of isolation.
Donald Trump’s flagship plan for post-war Gaza has come under scrutiny after reports that its financing is falling short of expectations, claims firmly rejected by the White House-backed Board of Peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has given an instruction for Israel to begin peace talks with Lebanon that would also include the disarming of Hezbollah.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Amid fragile calm, António Guterres urged constructive U.S.- Iran talks, while Pope Leo XIV warned violence is spreading. Lebanon's President said an Israeli strike killed 13 security personnel in Nabatieh.
Memorial events were held in Tehran’s main squares on Wednesday (8 April) to mark the 40th day since the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during U.S.-Israeli attacks on 28 February.
Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.
Israeli and Lebanese envoys are set to meet in Washington on Tuesday in a rare U.S.-driven diplomatic effort to halt escalating violence between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
Myanmar’s newly installed president, Min Aung Hlaing, has said his government faces major challenges and must work to restore the country’s international standing, including rebuilding strained ties with Southeast Asia after years of isolation.
An Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing regional tensions, as Pakistan urged all sides to engage constructively. Meanwhile, the United States and Lebanon called on Israel to pause its attacks ahead of planned negotiations.
Afghanistan’s foreign ministry says the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged continued cooperation after talks in Kabul on aid coordination, bilateral ties and job creation.
Uzbekistan is advancing plans to reduce the state’s role in the economy while introducing a VAT refund system for foreign visitors, as part of broader efforts to attract investment and boost tourism.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment