Russia Potentially Linked to Azerbaijani Plane Crash, Says US
The United States has pointed to early signs suggesting Russian involvement in the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash on December 25, which resulted in the tragic loss of 38 lives. White House spokesperson John Kirby disclosed these initial findings during a press briefing, although he refrained from providing specific details. He emphasized that the US has extended its support to assist in the investigation.
The Embraer 190 aircraft reportedly came under fire from Russian air defense systems near Chechnya while attempting to land. Unable to safely touch down, it was diverted across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan, where it ultimately crashed.
While the Kremlin has chosen to remain silent on the allegations, Russia’s civil aviation authority head acknowledged the challenging conditions in Chechnya, attributing them to ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes in the area.
Key Details About the Crash
According to reports, the US findings extend beyond images of the damaged plane widely circulated online. Aviation experts in Azerbaijan suggest the plane’s GPS systems were disrupted by electronic jamming, leading to its vulnerability. Shrapnel from Russian air-defense missile blasts is believed to have caused severe damage to the aircraft.
Although Azerbaijan has stopped short of directly accusing Russia, Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev confirmed the plane encountered “external interference” and sustained extensive damage both internally and externally. Survivors of the crash recounted hearing three explosions as the plane flew over Grozny, the Chechen capital.
“This incident will be thoroughly investigated to determine the type of weapon or missile used,” Nabiyev stated.
First-Hand Accounts and Political Reactions
Flight attendant Zulfuqar Asadov described the chaos when the plane was struck. “There was an external impact—it caused panic among passengers. As we worked to calm them, a second strike injured my arm,” he recounted.
The pilots, who lost their lives in the crash, are credited with saving 29 passengers by executing a partial landing under harrowing conditions.
Pro-government Azerbaijani MP Rasim Musabekov was unequivocal in his stance, declaring, “The plane was shot down over Russian territory. Denial is futile.” Musabekov criticized the decision to divert the plane across the Caspian Sea instead of allowing it to land at a closer airport.
International Investigation Urged
Kazakhstan has been treating survivors and collaborating with Azerbaijan on the investigation. While reports suggest both Russia and Kazakhstan have advocated for a Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) committee to oversee the inquiry, Azerbaijan is pressing for an independent international investigation.
The Kremlin has deflected mounting reports implicating Russian air defenses, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating, “An aviation investigation is ongoing. We cannot offer assessments until the findings are officially released.”
As the investigation unfolds, international scrutiny is expected to intensify, especially as Azerbaijan seeks answers and accountability.
