Russian Air Defense Suspected in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash

Preliminary investigations suggest the Christmas Day crash in Kazakhstan, which killed 38, may have been caused by a Russian missile.

Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after diverting from its original route due to fog, killing 38 people and injuring 29.
U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have indicated early evidence points to Russian air defense systems, possibly a Pantsir-S missile, as the cause of the crash.
Survivors and crew reported hearing multiple loud bangs before the plane went down, with visible damage to the fuselage and tail suggesting external impact.
Russia has denied responsibility, with its civil aviation authority suggesting a bird strike as a possible cause, while investigations by Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan continue.
In response to the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to several Russian airports as experts analyze the incident further.