Azerbaijani Plane Crash Blamed on Russian Missile

An Azerbaijani Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, was reportedly caused by a Russian Pantsir missile, according to Azerbaijani officials. Kazakhstan's preliminary reports indicate the presence of numerous foreign metal objects in the wreckage, with significant damage to the aircraft's structure. The plane, originally en route to Grozny, was diverted due to adverse weather and possible electronic warfare, leading to an eventual crash near Aktau, killing 38 people. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of shooting down the plane and called for an admission of guilt and reparations, while Russia has not confirmed such claims. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic analysis of the foreign objects underway, but no final conclusions have been drawn yet. Russian authorities are conducting a separate inquiry, with initial suggestions of a bird strike being challenged by aviation experts.