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Azerbaijan and Russia: How a Plane Crash Sparked a Diplomatic Crisis
The tragic crash of an Azerbaijani passenger plane on December 25, 2023, has sparked a significant diplomatic crisis between Azerbaijan and Russia, exposing growing tensions and shifting dynamics in the South Caucasus. The crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet occurred as the plane approached Grozny, Russia, killing all 38 people onboard. Preliminary investigations suggest that the aircraft was mistakenly hit by Russian air defenses, a devastating error that has led to sharp criticism from Azerbaijani officials and the public. This incident has not only caused a tragic loss of life but also deepened the rift between the two countries, raising questions about the future of their relationship and broader regional alliances.
Azerbaijan’s response to the plane crash has been unusually strong and direct. President Ilham Aliyev has publicly condemned Moscow for its handling of the tragedy, accusing Russian authorities of negligence and a lack of coordination. In a statement, Aliyev expressed his “surprise, regret, and rightful indignation” at Russia’s response and its attempts to downplay responsibility for the crash. He also criticized the Russian military for failing to communicate potential risks to the flight crew, arguing that the tragedy could have been avoided through better coordination. Aliyev’s comments, delivered…
