Azerbaijan Plans International Lawsuit Against Russia Over AZAL Crash

Azerbaijan is preparing to file a lawsuit against Russia over the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer 190 aircraft that occurred on December 25, 2024, near Aktau, Kazakhstan. President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan has gathered sufficient evidence proving Russia's responsibility for the tragedy, which resulted in 38 deaths, but has received no response from Russian authorities in the seven months since the incident. Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s demands for official recognition of guilt, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for the victims' families and AZAL's losses. He criticized Russia's silence and inaction, contrasting it with what Azerbaijan would do in a similar situation, and expressed readiness to pursue justice through international courts regardless of how long the process takes. The Azerbaijani president highlighted that the crash was caused by two attacks on the plane, dismissing claims that a Ukrainian drone was responsible, and underscored the bravery of the pilots in managing an emergency landing. This unresolved incident is straining Russia–Azerbaijan relations and is expected to prompt significant regional and international discussions.