Vladimir Putin apologises over Russia shooting at plane that led to horror Christmas Day crash
Share:
A shamed Vladimir Putin today apologised for downing a passenger plane and killing 38 people. The Kremlin dictator called Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev to say sorry for Russian air defences firing at the Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft. A total of 38 passengers died in the crash in Aktau, Kazakhstan, after it was shot at over Grozny, its destination after a flight from Baku.
The Kremlin said after the humbling conversation: “A detailed discussion was held regarding the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane on 25 December near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. Vladimir Putin expressed his apologies for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace.
"He once again extended his deepest and most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. During the conversation, it was noted that the Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, which was strictly following its scheduled route, had made several attempts to land at the airport in Grozny. At the time, Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz were under attack by Ukrainian combat drones, and Russian air defence systems were repelling these assaults.”.
The plane is believed to have been downed by a Pantsir-S air defence system. The Kremlin said: “The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code (violation of traffic safety rules and the operation of air transport). Initial investigative actions are underway, and both civilian and military specialists are being questioned.
