Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has publicly accused Russia of unintentionally shooting down an Azerbaijani airliner on Christmas Day, resulting in the tragic deaths of 38 individuals. Speaking to state television, Aliyev stated, “We can say with complete clarity that the plane was shot down by Russia. We are not saying that it was done intentionally, but it was done.” The airliner, identified as Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243, was en route to Grozny when it crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, following a series of irregularities that led to its emergency landing.

Aliyev detailed that the aircraft was struck while flying over Russian territory, and cited evidence of gunfire from the ground coupled with electronic warfare systems that rendered the plane uncontrollable. He expressed disappointment over Russia's initial explanations for the crash, including claims that the plane collided with birds or faced mechanical failure, which he dismissed as “delirious versions.”

The Azerbaijani president has demanded three key actions from Russia: an acknowledgement of guilt, a formal apology, and compensation for the victims and their families. He remarked, “We heard nothing from Russia for the first three days except absurd theories.” Following the incident, Putin expressed condolences for the tragic losses but did not explicitly take responsibility.

The situation has drawn international attention, especially as U.S. officials suggested there were signs linking the crash to Russian air defense systems active in the region during the time, thereby intensifying scrutiny on Moscow's role. Aliyev highlighted the need for a thorough investigation, noting the impossibility of objective findings if led by Russian aviation authorities, given their composition predominantly of Russian officials.

The Kremlin has initiated a joint investigation with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan into the crash site, indicating steps towards transparency. Meanwhile, Aliyev stressed the necessity of an independent inquiry, as initial assessments revealed the aircraft's fuselage was riddled with damage consistent with shrapnel, undermining Russian claims that other incidents had caused the catastrophe.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Russo-Azerbaijani relations could be significant, particularly concerning accountability and regional security. With both nations being considered allies, the calls for acknowledgment of responsibility could strain diplomatic ties amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

For the latest updates on this developing story, you can read more in-depth coverage from India Times, VOA News, and CNN.