Kazakhstan Launches Investigation into Plane Crash

An Azerbaijani Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, killing 38 people. Azerbaijan alleges the aircraft was unintentionally shot down by Russia, an assertion Russian President Vladimir Putin has not fully acknowledged despite expressing regret. To ensure an unbiased investigation, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the plane's black boxes would be sent to Brazil, where the aircraft was manufactured. A government commission has been formed, including 17 international experts from bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization to assist in the investigation. Tokayev praised the quick response of local rescuers and citizens who volunteered to help the victims. The crash has raised tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, while investigations continue into the incident's causes.