MOSCOW: A passenger flight from Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after diverting from Russia during Ukrainian drone attacks.
The crash involved flight J2-8243, killing at least 38 people, and left many questioning the incident’s cause.
Investigation Reveals Air Defense Mistake
Azerbaijan’s investigation revealed that Russian air defenses mistakenly shot down the plane amid attacks by Ukrainian drones.
Sources noted Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz in Russia were under attack when air defenses were activated against Ukrainian drones.
Putin Apologized
Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and expressed sincere condolences to victims’ families and the injured.
Putin acknowledged the tragedy occurred due to interference in Russian airspace and promised a thorough investigation.
Plane Diverted During Chaos
Azerbaijan’s presidential office said the aircraft experienced external interference, losing control and redirecting toward Kazakhstan before the fatal crash.
The Embraer EMBR3.SA jet flew from Baku to Grozny but veered across the Caspian Sea toward Aktau under unknown conditions.
Bilateral Talks Following the Incident
Putin’s call to Aliyev emphasized Russia’s efforts to address the situation and prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Kremlin said the incident resulted from Russian air defenses countering unmanned aerial attacks in critical regions.
Crash Spurs Airspace Safety Concerns
The crash highlights safety concerns in conflict areas as both nations cooperate to ensure better airspace management during tensions.
Story Background
Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 tragically crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing at least 38 people. The Embraer EMBR3.SA passenger plane was en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, when it veered off course across the Caspian Sea. The diversion occurred as Russian air defenses responded to Ukrainian drone attacks in Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz.
