CurrentReport Blog Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged his country’s air defence system was active when an Azerbaijani Airlines Embraer 190 plane attempted to land in Grozny, Chechnya. The plane later crashed in Kazakhstan, sparking global speculation about Russian involvement in the incident.
Putin broke his silence on Saturday, offering an apology during a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. However, he stopped short of confirming allegations that Russian air defences may have accidentally downed the plane.
Aliyev, in the conversation, insisted the plane had been struck by “outside interference” originating from Russia. He urged Putin to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The Embraer 190 flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, tragically crashed three days ago, leading to heightened tensions between the two allied nations. The Kremlin’s delayed response has fueled speculation, with observers calling for a transparent investigation into the crash.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about aviation safety in regions where military activity remains heightened. Both countries have pledged to cooperate in uncovering the truth behind the crash.
