Azerbaijan's Aliyev Confronts Putin Over Plane Crash Blame

In a recent phone conversation, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev confronted Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the tragic plane crash that killed 38 people. While Putin presented alternative explanations for the incident, Aliyev accused Russia of a mishap in its air defenses, demonstrating a significant shift in their long-standing alliance.

In the heart of Baku, Azerbaijan recently faced a tragedy when an Azerbaijani Airlines plane crashed on December 25, resulting in the deaths of 38 passengers. In the aftermath of this shocking incident, the dialogue between Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Russia's President Vladimir Putin turned testy. During a crucial phone call, Putin offered various explanations for the crash, suggesting it might have been caused by a flock of birds, an exploding gas canister, or even a Ukrainian drone strike.

However, Aliyev was unconvinced, as evidence quickly pointed to the possibility that Russian air defenses had accidentally shot down the aircraft. Details emerging from the crash site highlighted a worrying picture: shrapnel embedded in a passenger's leg and numerous holes in the plane's fuselage further stirred the anger within Azerbaijan.

Just days later, on December 29, Aliyev publicly expressed his outrage, subtly criticizing Putin without naming him directly. "Attempts to deny obvious facts," he declared, "are both nonsensical and absurd." Sources who remained anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the discussion revealed that Aliyev’s firm stance stems from a newfound confidence regarding Azerbaijan's status, given Russia's diminishing power in its neighboring regions.

This unfortunate event has unveiled a notable rift between the two leaders, who have shared a close relationship for over two decades. As Putin appeared to request Aliyev's silence regarding the crash's true nature, Aliyev insisted on accountability from Russia. The growing tension indicates that Azerbaijan's leadership is willing to challenge their erstwhile ally as they navigate a changing geopolitical landscape.