CNN reported that President Putin apologized for the crash because it happened when the plane entered Russia's airspace, and not for responsibility. It should be recalled that on a fateful Wednesday, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight tragically crashed after entering Russian airspace in Grozny, Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an apology for the incident but refrained from acknowledging Russian responsibility. The crash resulted in the loss of 38 lives, while two children miraculously survived the ordeal.
According to the Kremlin, Russia's air defense systems were active during the plane's attempted landing in Grozny. The aircraft, unable to reach the airport, diverted eastward, eventually crashing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. This incident has drawn attention and speculation, as the flight carried passengers from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Despite the tragic outcome, the specifics of the incident remain shrouded in uncertainty. A US official, speaking to CNN on Thursday, indicated that preliminary evidence suggested a Russian anti-aircraft system might have been involved in downing the passenger jet. However, Putin's statements did not confirm this, instead focusing on expressing regret for the occurrence within Russian airspace.
In a phone conversation with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Putin apologized for the tragedy but did not assign blame to Russian defenses. The Kremlin's statement emphasized that the plane made multiple attempts to land at Grozny airport. Simultaneously, Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz were under attack from Ukrainian combat drones, prompting Russian air defense systems to respond.
Russia’s investigative committee has initiated a criminal case regarding the disaster. Visual evidence from the crash site, including video footage and images, reveals perforations on the plane's body, resembling shrapnel or debris damage. However, the exact cause of these perforations has not been officially confirmed.
CNN aviation analyst Miles O’Brien offered insight on Thursday, noting that the inward bending of the metal around the holes indicated an explosion occurred near the aircraft's tail. This analysis aligns with the observations of the US official, who mentioned that the holes' characteristics were consistent with shrapnel damage from an explosion.
President Aliyev of Azerbaijan communicated to Putin that the plane experienced external physical and technical interference while in Russian airspace, resulting in a complete loss of control. This assessment was based on examinations of the fuselage, injuries of passengers and crew from "foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight," and testimonies from survivors.
In addition to Aliyev, Putin also conveyed his condolences to Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in a phone call on Saturday. The crash has reverberated through the region, drawing responses from various leaders, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
President Zelensky, addressing the incident on X (formerly known as Twitter), called for transparency from Russia. He urged Russia to provide clear explanations and cease spreading disinformation, emphasizing the visible damage to the aircraft's fuselage, which strongly indicated a strike by an air defense missile.
The incident has led to immediate repercussions in the aviation industry. At least five airlines have temporarily suspended flights to areas in Russia, including Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines, El Al Israel, Flydubai, and Qazaq Air. Most of these airlines cited safety concerns as the reason for suspending their operations.
The crash has not only sparked an international dialogue about the safety of air travel in conflict zones but has also highlighted the complexities of maintaining airspace security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The presence of Ukrainian combat drones and the active status of Russian air defense systems underscore the volatile environment in which the tragedy unfolded.
The international community remains watchful as investigations proceed. The call for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash is gaining momentum, with stakeholders demanding accountability and clarity.
The implications of this incident are profound, affecting diplomatic relations, aviation safety protocols, and regional stability. As the investigation continues, the world watches closely, hoping for answers that will prevent such tragedies in the future and provide closure to the families of the victims.
The involvement of multiple nations in the tragedy underscores the interconnected nature of modern aviation and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure safety in increasingly contested airspaces. The crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of conflict and the imperative for diligent international cooperation in safeguarding civilian lives.
...so, why ask why?
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