Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged Russia’s responsibility in the December 25, 2024, plane crash that resulted in the deaths of 38 individuals. During a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin referenced the tragic incident for the first time since tensions between Moscow and Baku worsened.
While admitting Russia’s involvement, Putin publicly attributed the crash to actions by Ukraine, suggesting that Kyiv played a role in the incident. The details of this attribution remain unconfirmed, and critics have expressed skepticism over the narrative linking Ukraine to the aircraft catastrophe.
The meeting between Putin and Aliyev marked a notable shift, as it was the first high-level engagement following the deterioration of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan in recent months. Despite the tragic nature of the crash, the discussion appeared to focus partly on geopolitical issues, with Putin framing the event within a broader context of regional tensions.
The incident has heightened concerns about stability and security in the Caucasus region, with calls from various parties for an independent investigation into the crash’s exact causes. The international community continues to monitor developments as official statements and diplomatic exchanges unfold.