Putin acknowledges Russian missiles caused Azerbaijan Airlines E190 crash

Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Russian air defense activity was responsible for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 on December 25, 2024, resulting in the deaths of 38 people. The announcement followed a meeting between Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev aimed at addressing the fallout from the incident.

According to the investigation, the E190 was not directly hit by Russian missiles. Instead, two missiles launched by Russian defense forces intercepted Ukrainian drones flying near the aircraft. The resulting proximity damage compromised the aircraft’s integrity, leading to the fatal crash.

Technical experts from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan participated in the investigation and concluded that the Russian air defense response was the primary factor in the accident. Three drones had reportedly crossed the Russian border on the day of the event, prompting the missile launches.

The Embraer E190, a regional jet commonly used for short and medium-haul routes, was operating a scheduled flight when the incident occurred. The aircraft initially attempted an emergency landing in Dagestan but ultimately crashed after changing course to Kazakhstan.

Putin has pledged compensation to the families of the victims and to the Azerbaijani state. Previously, official statements had described the event as a ‘tragic incident’ without specifying responsibility.

Azerbaijan Airlines, the national carrier, operates E190s primarily on intra-regional routes, and the loss of the jet represents a significant impact on its fleet. The incident has also affected diplomatic relations in the Caucasus region, with Russia seeking to restore ties amid shifting alliances and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Azerbaijan maintains close relations with Turkey and is a key energy exporter, while the regional balance has shifted as Armenia, a traditional Russian ally, moves closer to Western mediation. The crash investigation and subsequent admissions have added complexity to the already tense aviation security environment in the region.

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Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

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