Russia admits missiles caused Azerbaijani plane crash; Killing 38

Putin explained that Ukrainian drones were continuously attacking southern Russia at the time, prompting Russia to activate its air defense system. During this time, two Russian missiles exploded near the Azerbaijani plane, causing it to crash.

New Delhi: During his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned the plane crash that killed 38 passengers. The accident occurred on December 25, 2024, when Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 was traveling from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya.

Putin explained that Ukrainian drones were continuously attacking southern Russia at the time, prompting Russia to activate its air defense system. During this time, two Russian missiles exploded near the Azerbaijani plane, causing it to crash.

PM Modi greets Putin on birthday; India-Russia ties set to deepen at December Summit

Accident occurred near Kazakhstan

Flight J2-8243 diverted from Russia's southern airspace and flew towards the Aktau region of Kazakhstan. This was the same area where Ukrainian drones were targeting Russian targets. It was in this area that the plane was hit by Russian missiles, killing 38 passengers.

Putin Assurance: Compensation and legal process To followed

Putin assured Aliyev that Russia will take full responsibility for the tragic accident. He said, "Russia will take all necessary steps in such tragic incidents. Compensation will be provided, and legal process will also be followed."

He further said, "It is our duty to investigate this accident impartially and identify the true causes."

He had previously issued a public apology.

This is not the first time Putin has reacted to this plane crash. Putin publicly apologized to Aliyev last year when it became clear that the plane crashed due to a Russian missile.

Putin lauds PM Modi as ‘very wise leader’ amid Trump tariffs; Full story here

A video surfaced on Thursday showing the two leaders smiling and shaking hands before a bilateral meeting in Tajikistan. At the same meeting, Putin spoke seriously about the plane crash and reiterated his commitment to compensation and an investigation.

Russian Missiles Caused Deaths

This incident is a tragic example of the human loss and collateral damage caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. For the first time, Russia officially acknowledged that its missiles had exploded near a civilian aircraft, causing significant damage.