Azerbaijan airlines alleges external interference in plane crash in Kazakhstan

In response, Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to seven Russian cities on Friday, citing safety risks based on initial findings. However, flights to major Russian cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg will continue, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

Meanwhile, a flight bound for Mineralnye Vody returned to Baku after a section of Russian airspace was closed, as reported by Russian news agency TASS.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated it was too early to comment, emphasizing that conclusions would only follow the ongoing investigation. However, sources cited by Reuters claim a Russian missile was likely involved. “No one claims it was intentional,” a source told Reuters, but Azerbaijan expects Russia to acknowledge the incident if proven true.

Russia has countered the allegations, stating that the crash was influenced by Ukrainian drone activity in the area and adverse weather conditions. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, explained that the airspace near Grozny, Chechnya, was closed due to Ukrainian drone operations. The plane’s pilot reportedly attempted to land twice in Grozny but diverted to Aktau, Kazakhstan, due to dense fog and the airspace closure.

Ukraine’s reaction

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, accused Moscow of covering up the crash’s cause, alleging the damaged plane was forced to cross the Caspian Sea to conceal evidence. Sybiha called for an impartial investigation, citing “photos and videos from the cabin and crash site” as critical evidence.

(With inputs from Reuters, CNN, DW)