Did a Russian Missile Cause the Azerbaijan Plane Crash? Kremlin Responds to Speculation

The recent crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan, has sparked global speculation, with some questioning whether Russia played a role. Allegations emerged that the aircraft might have been mistakenly targeted by a Russian air defense system. However, the Kremlin has firmly dismissed such claims, urging people to avoid premature conclusions as the investigation continues.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the matter on Thursday, expressing condolences over the tragic accident and emphasizing the importance of waiting for the investigation’s results. “Speculations are unwarranted at this stage,” Peskov said.

The Incident

On Wednesday, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed near Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 others hospitalized. The aircraft was originally en route to Makhachkala, Russia, but was redirected to Kazakhstan due to bad weather.

The crash’s timing raised eyebrows, particularly as the region had recently witnessed intense clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Some speculated that the plane might have been hit by Russian air defenses, a claim Moscow categorically denied.

Investigative Updates

Preliminary investigations by Kazakh authorities revealed that bird strikes might have contributed to the crash. However, aviation experts expressed skepticism, citing the extent of the damage seen in videos circulating on social media. Some suggested that the destruction could be consistent with a missile strike or another form of attack rather than bird collisions.

Official Response

Addressing these theories, Peskov reiterated that drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete is inappropriate. “All parties must refrain from jumping to conclusions until official findings are available,” he stated.

While investigators work to determine the cause, the tragedy has highlighted the need for thorough scrutiny and accountability in aviation incidents, particularly in conflict-prone regions.