Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash in Kazakhstan Linked to Russian Missile Strike

Preliminary investigations suggest the Embraer 190 was hit by shrapnel from a Russian air defense missile near Grozny, killing 38 people.

Experts and preliminary investigations point to a Russian Pantsir-S air defense missile as the likely cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash on December 25, 2024.
The Embraer 190 was en route from Baku to Grozny but diverted to Kazakhstan due to flight path disruptions and heavy fog in Grozny.
Survivors reported hearing a loud explosion mid-flight, and damage consistent with missile shrapnel was observed on the wreckage.
Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to several Russian cities, citing safety concerns, while Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia have launched investigations.
Russia has denied responsibility, urging patience for investigation results, while Ukraine has called for Moscow to be held accountable for the incident.