Anonymous letter claims Russian military ordered strike on AZAL plane near Grozny

An anonymous letter sent to Minval.az alleges that the Russian military ordered the strike on an AZAL flight downed near Grozny in December 2024, offering testimony, audio clips, and technical details that may aid ongoing investigations.

An anonymous letter received by Azerbaijani news outlet contains explosive claims regarding the downing of an AZAL Embraer E190 aircraft near Grozny on 25 December 2024. The flight was struck shortly before landing, resulting in a major international investigation.

The letter includes a written statement allegedly signed by Captain Dmitry Sergeyevich Paladichuk, a Russian air defence officer. He claims he was acting under direct orders from Russia’s Ministry of Defence when he authorised the missile strike. Accompanying the letter are several materials, including a video, audio recordings, and a detailed account of technical deficiencies in the communications equipment used at the time.

According to the letter, Captain Paladichuk was stationed near Grozny on duty from 24 to 25 December. At 05:40 on the day of the incident, his unit was ordered to enter full combat readiness. Due to poor mobile reception and a lack of functional wired communication, coordination relied heavily on unstable mobile connections. A potential target was detected at 08:11 and tracked using radar. Two missiles were reportedly fired at the object after Paladichuk was instructed via phone to destroy it — despite heavy fog obscuring optical confirmation.

The coordinates, speeds, and directions of the target at the time of both missile launches were provided in detail in the written explanation. The first missile is said to have missed, while the second one allegedly detonated close enough for shrapnel to strike the aircraft.

While Minval.az notes it cannot verify the authenticity of the letter or signature, it stresses the importance of publishing the materials due to their potential relevance to the ongoing investigation and public interest. The news outlet adds that Azerbaijani authorities may find the information useful in their examination of the incident.

Additionally, Minval.az reviewed three voice messages believed to support the claims made in the letter. The voices reportedly confirm that operational orders were given, two missiles were fired, and shrapnel from the explosion struck the aircraft.

Authorities have not yet publicly commented on the new materials. However, the gravity of the claims is expected to prompt closer scrutiny by relevant investigative bodies in Azerbaijan and potentially internationally.

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