Putin Addresses Speculation Over Azerbaijani Airlines Plane Crash, Confirms Russian Air Defence Was Active

CGC News Reporter December 29, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday that Russian air defence systems were active when an Azerbaijani Airlines plane attempted to land in Grozny before crashing in western Kazakhstan earlier this week.

Putin’s comments came amid growing speculation that the plane may have been accidentally shot down by Russian air defences. Putin explained that the aircraft had tried to land in Grozny multiple times, during which Ukrainian combat drones were reportedly attacking nearby towns, including Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz, prompting Russian air defence to intercept the strikes. The crash killed 38 people.