Russia must apologize, compensate victims of Christmas air crash – AZERBAIJAN president

Monday, December 30, 2024 - The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev has charged Russia to take responsibility for the Christmas day air crash.

Aliyev said Moscow should apologize and accept responsibility for the air mishap.

New York Times said Aliyev in an interview charged Russia to provide compensation to the victims’ families.

Aliyev said, “We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia.

“First, the Russian side must apologise to Azerbaijan. Second, it must acknowledge its guilt. Third, those responsible must be punished.”

Aliyev also dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s apology as inadequate.

He insisted that the apology lacked accountability and could strain relations between the two nations.

The plane, operating as flight J2-8243, departed Baku in Azerbaijan for Grozny in Russia.

It was diverted due to thick fog and caught fire during its descent and killed dozens.

Most of the victims were Azerbaijani citizens.

 Azerbaijan Airlines jet crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau, an oil and gas hub.

It was gathered that 38 of the 67 people on board died.