Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Crash Kills 38

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 crashed on December 25 near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people and injuring 29. Preliminary investigations indicate 'physical and technical external interference' as the cause, raising suspicions about possible involvement of Russian air defense systems, which Russia denies, attributing blame to Ukrainian drone attacks nearby. The airline has suspended flights to several Russian cities, citing safety concerns. Eyewitness accounts describe a loud bang before the crash, supporting speculation of a missile strike. Ukrainian officials have called for accountability, asserting that Russia must be held responsible, while Russia insists the investigation is ongoing. The situation remains contentious as multiple investigations unfold and international scrutiny increases.