Putin Apologizes to Azerbaijan Over Passenger Plane Tragedy in Russian Airspace

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued an apology to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday following the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 in Russian airspace. The incident, which occurred during a series of Ukrainian drone attacks, resulted in the deaths of at least 38 passengers.

The passenger jet, an Embraer EMBR3.SA, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it was diverted and crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Preliminary investigations by Azerbaijan suggest that the plane was mistakenly shot down by Russian air defense systems, which were active due to the reported drone attacks on Russian cities, including Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz.

The Kremlin stated that Putin extended his “deep and sincere condolences” to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Aliyev highlighted the external interference the plane faced in Russian airspace, which led to the loss of control and its diversion.

The incident underscores the dangers posed to civilian flights in conflict zones, raising serious concerns about the safety of air travel in such regions.