[Russia’s President Vladimir Putin apologized for a plane crash that occurred in Russian airspace on Wednesday, but did not explicitly say that Russia was responsible for the incident. The Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Baku to U hacen crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people on board, including 8 of 12 crew members.
The debris of the plane shows perforations in its body that look similar to damage from shrapnel or debris. Russian air defense systems were active in the area at the time of the incident, and the US government has suggested that early indications suggest a Russian anti-aircraft system may have downed the passenger jet.
Azerbaii’s President Ilham Aliyev, who received a call from Putin, said the plane encountered external physical and technical interference while in Russian airspace, resulting in a complete loss of control. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also spoke with Aliyev, called on Russia to provide clear explanations and stop spreading disinformation, citing photos and videos that show damage to the aircraft’s fuselage, including punctures and dents.
At least five airlines have temporarily suspended flights to areas in Russia, citing safety concerns. The incident has sparked an investigation by Russia’s investigative committee, which has opened a criminal case into the disaster.
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