Image Source : Jakarta Post
Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the tragic plane crash that occurred on December 25, killing 38 people . The Azerbaijan Airlines plane was flying from Baku to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan and crashed near Aktau. Putin’s apology came amid mounting allegations that the plane had been shot down by Russian air defenses attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny.
Putin’s apology was seen as a rare public acknowledgment of a tragic incident, although he stopped short of admitting Russian responsibility for the crash . The Kremlin statement noted that a criminal case had been opened, and that Russian air defense systems were firing near Grozny due to a Ukrainian drone strike at the time of the crash. However, it did not confirm whether these systems were responsible for downing the aircraft.
The European Union has urged a swift and independent investigation into the crash, amid speculation about Russia’s involvement . Azerbaijan Airlines has reported that initial investigations point to “physical and technical external interference” as a potential cause of the crash. Survivors have recounted hearing explosions and feeling impacts during the flight, raising further questions about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, massive waves have caused destruction in Ecuador and Peru, with one person reported dead and several ports closed . The waves have submerged jetties and public squares in some parts of Peru, highlighting the devastating impact of climate change on coastal communities.
