Russian Air Defense Suspected in Azerbaijani Plane Crash in Kazakhstan

Russian air defense may have mistakenly downed an Azerbaijani passenger jet, resulting in 38 deaths. Initial Kremlin claims of a bird strike were contested by experts who pointed to evidence of military action. The incident may strain Russia’s ties with Azerbaijan, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions amid the Ukraine conflict.

Analysts from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan suggest that Russian air defense may have inadvertently downed an Azerbaijani passenger jet, leading to 38 fatalities. Experts believe that the circumstances surrounding the crash hint at a possible incident involving Russian defense systems during a Ukrainian drone attack. Moscow’s response, preventing the aircraft from landing despite its damage, raises further suspicions about their involvement in the tragedy.

Initial claims from the Kremlin attributed the crash of flight AZAL 8432 to a bird strike, with officials stating that it occurred while the plane was approaching Grozny, Chechnya. However, subsequent images revealed significant damage to the plane, resembling the effects of a Pantsir-S1 air defense system. Experts refute the bird strike explanation, identifying the damage as inconsistent with such an incident, leading to accusations against Russian military actions during a coinciding drone engagement.

Notably, Russian aviation authorities forced the distressed aircraft to divert to Kazakhstan, where it ultimately crashed near Aktau. Experts criticized this move as negligence, asserting that Moscow’s decision seemingly aimed to conceal the incident as a bird strike. Additionally, the plane faced GPS interference and jamming, further indicating hostile action rather than an accident.

Russian responses to the accusations have largely been dismissive. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted, “We don’t feel entitled to give assessments, won’t do it,” as the investigation continues. This refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the situation could lead to strained relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, particularly amid historical tensions after the 2014 MH17 incident in Ukraine where Russian forces were implicated.

The implications of the crash extend beyond immediate casualties, as analysts highlight damage to Russia’s reputation in Azerbaijan. Observers suggest that while Azerbaijan will likely maintain diplomatic relations with Moscow, public sentiment is shifting against Russia due to perceived evasiveness in accountability for the crash.

The tragic crash of the Azerbaijani plane in Kazakhstan raises concerns regarding possible Russian air defense involvement amidst ongoing tensions with Ukraine. The Kremlin’s narrative of a bird strike is challenged by expert analysis and evidence of damage consistent with military action. This incident not only results in significant casualties but also threatens to further degrade Russia’s standing among its allies, notably Azerbaijan, amid a complex geopolitical landscape involving historic conflicts and responsiveness to air defense challenges.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com