Overview

• The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed on December 25 near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people aboard, with survivors alleging explosions during the flight.
• Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated the plane was damaged by Russian air defense fire and electronic warfare systems while flying over Grozny, Russia.
• Russia has not admitted responsibility but President Vladimir Putin apologized for the 'tragic incident' and confirmed air defenses were active due to Ukrainian drone attacks at the time.
• The United States and Azerbaijani investigators have pointed to preliminary evidence suggesting the plane may have been struck by Russian air defenses, though investigations are ongoing.
• Azerbaijan has demanded Russia issue a formal apology, acknowledge guilt, punish those responsible, and compensate victims and their families.