Russian investigators confirm a Pantsir-S1 missile downed Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243. Baku demands accountability as tensions rise over Moscow's next steps.
As the investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash continues, new findings emerging from Russian sources suggest that the aircraft was shot down by a Pantsir-S1 air defence system, which had been brought to Russia from Syria. According to reliable sources familiar with the investigation, Russian officials have also determined that electronic warfare systems were deployed against the Azerbaijani aircraft, leading to severe malfunctions in its control systems before the crash.
Russian Investigators Identify Those Responsible
Sources indicate that Russian investigators have identified both the individual who launched the missile and the official who gave the order. However, it remains unclear whether Moscow will publicly disclose their names or attempt to evade responsibility. The AnewZ investigative team is actively working to verify the authenticity of the names obtained by the editorial team.
Baku’s Firm Stance Against a Cover-Up
Diplomatic sources confirm that Azerbaijan refuses to allow the case to be ‘hushed up’ and remains resolute in its demand for accountability. Should Russia attempt to avoid responsibility, Baku intends to take the matter to international courts to ensure justice for the victims.
Background: Azerbaijan’s Official Position on the Crash
The latest revelations align with Azerbaijan’s initial findings, which pointed to an external explosion as the likely cause of the crash. High-resolution images and forensic analysis from the crash site indicated that the damage was consistent with a missile strike, not an internal malfunction.
In a previous statement, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, noted that preliminary investigation results had already ruled out any technical failure or pilot error, reinforcing the missile strike theory.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also made Azerbaijan’s position clear, stating:
"We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia. This is a fact, and no one can deny this fact. Again, we are not saying that this was done intentionally, but it was done. We have clearly expressed our demands to the Russian side. First of all, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Secondly, it must acknowledge its guilt. Thirdly, those responsible must be punished, brought to criminal responsibility, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, to the injured passengers and crew members. These are our conditions."
What’s Next?
With Russian investigators now confirming that the Pantsir-S1 missile system was involved, attention will turn to Moscow’s response and whether it will hold those responsible accountable. Given Baku’s firm stance, any attempt to downplay or obscure the findings could lead to legal action in international courts.
The AnewZ team continues to monitor the situation closely as pressure mounts for full disclosure and accountability.
One month after the Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau, the investigation suggests fuselage damage from an anti-aircraft missile. Black box data has been decoded, and results are expected next week.
Kazakh political scientist Dimash Alzhanov claims that the leaked transcripts of alleged conversations between AZAL pilots and Russian ground services are an attempt to exert informational pressure on Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan during the investigation into the December crash
Azerbaijan sends the black boxes of the Aktau plane crash to Brazil's CENIPA for decoding, ensuring transparency, objectivity, and global standards in the investigation.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
On April 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu to discuss the South Caucasus, peace talks with Armenia, and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Aliyev emphasized dismantling the OSCE Minsk Group and securing Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is set to be held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, said Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel warned on Thursday it will unleash an even wider offensive in Gaza unless Hamas frees its remaining hostages, a threat issued as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 55 people across the enclave, according to local medics.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment