Putin Apologizes to Azerbaijan Leader for Deadly Plane Crash Amid Escalating Tensions

Putin Apologizes to Azerbaijan Leader: On Saturday last, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed an apology to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Kazakhstan which resulted in the death of 38 people and injury to 29 others. The Embraer 190 plane had enough traveling between Baku and Grozny, Russia, only to fly towards Kazakhstan and, eventually crash near Aktau city-the location of the emergency landing, all on Wednesday.

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Within an official statement released by the Kremlin, it stated that Putin extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured ones speedy recovery. Now he explained that because of Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz, Russian air defenses had to be in operation in the area.

“President Vladimir Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and conveyed his deep condolences to the Azerbaijani people,” the statement read.

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Crash Conflicting Report

Russia ascribes the crash thus due to the unfavorable atmospheric situation, resulting from drone attacks in Ukraine, while there are rumors abroad that suggest an ignition of bolder expectation. External weapon, perhaps from Russian air defenses, might be the cause of the accident, U.S. officials and an Azerbaijani minister suggested from Friday. These allegations have not been addressed by Moscow though.

The crash has led to the suspension of service by many airlines to Russian cities. Turkmenistan Airlines, for instance, simply announced that its flights to Moscow from Ashgabat would be suspended between December 30, 2024, and January 31, 2025, but did not cite a reason. Similarly, Flydubai has announced the cancellation of flights to Mineralnye Vody and Sochi in southern Russia. The safety concern has been used as a basic reason for suspension.

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