Investigation and Reactions
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has publicly expressed his discontent with Russia’s handling of the plane crash incident. He believes that Russia attempted to conceal the fact that the plane was shot down by Russian territory.
Aliyev stated that Russia’s various explanations for the incident demonstrate a clear intention to cover up the matter. He emphasized the importance of admitting guilt, apologizing, and informing the public about the incident.
Apology from President Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev for the tragic incident, acknowledging that Russian air defenses were activated in response to Ukrainian attack drones. However, Putin’s statement did not explicitly state that Russia shot down the plane.
Aliyev’s Account of the Incident
Aliyev revealed that the plane was shot down by accident, falling victim to electronic jamming before being shot at while approaching the southern Russian city of Grozny. He criticized Russia’s initial explanations for the incident, citing absurd versions that attributed the accident to birds or a gas cylinder explosion.
Investigation Findings
Four sources familiar with Azerbaijan’s preliminary investigation findings reported that Russian air defenses shot down the plane by mistake. This conclusion is also shared by American forces and Ukraine.
Tribute to the Victims
Azerbaijan paid tribute to the pilots and passengers of the plane on Sunday morning. The captain, Igor Kshnyakin, and co-pilot Alexander Kalyanin, both ethnic Russians with Azerbaijani citizenship, and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva, received full honors at a ceremony in central Baku.
Pilots’ Heroism
The pilots have been praised for their bravery and professionalism in landing the plane, allowing 29 people to survive. Captain Kshnyakin’s daughter, Anastasia Kshnyakina, remembered her father as a dedicated pilot who took his responsibilities seriously, saying that he showed what a true hero should be with his last flight.