Quote from Alex bobby on December 31, 2024, 3:40 AM

Azerbaijan Accuses Russia Over Airliner Crash: A Call for Accountability

A tragic aviation incident last week has escalated tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, as Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev alleged that an Azerbaijani airliner was shot down by Russian forces, albeit unintentionally. The crash, which occurred on Wednesday near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, claimed 38 lives out of the 67 people on board, sparking a series of accusations, demands, and diplomatic exchanges.

The Incident

The ill-fated flight was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, to Grozny, the regional capital of Russia’s Chechnya. Deviating from its intended destination, the plane turned towards Kazakhstan and attempted to land before crashing. Survivors reported loud noises while the aircraft was circling over Grozny, raising suspicions about external interference.

President Aliyev’s accusations were unequivocal. Speaking to Azerbaijani state television, he said, “We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia. [...] We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done.” Aliyev further claimed the aircraft was “rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare” after being hit by fire from the ground.

Russia’s Response

Russia has acknowledged the presence of air defense operations near Grozny on the day of the crash. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that air defense systems were active to counter Ukrainian drone strikes. However, Moscow has refrained from admitting culpability, describing the crash as a "tragic incident." Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his apologies to Aliyev but stopped short of acknowledging responsibility.

Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said the airspace over Grozny was closed due to poor weather and drone threats, which forced the Azerbaijani aircraft to divert. The Kremlin announced a joint investigation involving Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan to uncover the precise cause of the crash.

Azerbaijan’s Demands

President Aliyev laid out three demands to Russia in the wake of the disaster:

1. A Formal Apology: This was fulfilled on Saturday when Putin personally apologized to Aliyev.
2. Acknowledgment of Responsibility: Azerbaijan insists that Moscow must admit its role in the incident.
3. Accountability and Compensation: Aliyev has called for those responsible to be brought to justice and for Russia to pay reparations to Azerbaijan, as well as to the injured passengers and crew members.

“Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except delirious versions,” Aliyev remarked, criticizing what he perceived as an attempt by Moscow to "hush up" the issue.

Broader Implications

The crash adds to a history of civil aviation tragedies linked to regional conflicts. Comparisons have already been drawn to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014, when a Russian surface-to-air missile struck the plane over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Despite denials from Moscow, a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian for their involvement in that disaster.

This recent incident underscores the continuing dangers posed by military activities in civilian airspace, especially in regions affected by geopolitical tensions. The involvement of electronic warfare and the proximity of military operations to civilian routes highlight the critical need for clearer coordination and accountability.

Investigations Underway

The ongoing investigation at the crash site near Aktau involves Russian, Azerbaijani, and Kazakhstani authorities. Experts aim to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash, including the role of Russian air defenses and the electronic warfare measures allegedly employed. Preliminary reports suggest that Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Grozny may have triggered a chain of events culminating in the tragedy.

Diplomatic Repercussions

This incident is poised to strain Azerbaijan-Russia relations further. Aliyev’s public criticism and demands signal a firm stance, while Moscow’s reluctance to fully admit responsibility reflects the complexities of its geopolitical calculations. The episode also raises questions about the safety of civilian aviation in conflict zones and the adequacy of existing international protocols.

Moving Forward

The crash is a somber reminder of the human cost of geopolitical conflicts. As the investigation unfolds, it remains imperative for all parties involved to prioritize transparency and accountability. Acknowledging and addressing the root causes of such incidents will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future.

For Azerbaijan, the loss of lives and the unresolved questions surrounding the crash will likely fuel a push for stronger safeguards for its air travel routes. For Russia, the incident adds to mounting international scrutiny over its military activities and their unintended consequences.

Conclusion

As Azerbaijan and Russia navigate the fallout from this tragic event, the world watches closely. The demand for justice and accountability is not merely a bilateral issue but a call to uphold the principles of safety and responsibility in international aviation. The lives lost in this crash must catalyze meaningful change, ensuring that such incidents become a thing of the past.