Putin offers condolences amid rising tensions over Kazakh crash

Many reports from Russian media or government representatives are propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.

The Kremlin reported that both leaders agreed to remain in constant contact regarding the investigation into the crash.

Earlier on Saturday, the Russian president spoke with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"Vladimir Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace. Once again, he expressed deep and sincere condolences to the families of the crash victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery," the Kremlin's press office said in a statement released at 15:00 Greenwich Time.

Putin noted that the plane repeatedly attempted to land at the airport in Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. During that time, cities in the Russian Caucasus "were being attacked by Ukrainian combat drones, and Russian air defence was repelling these attacks." However, the statement did not indicate that Putin admitted the plane was struck by a Russian missile.

Aliyev also spoke with Volodymyr Zelensky. The President of Ukraine posted on social media stating that "Russia must provide explanations and stop spreading disinformation."

"Photos and videos clearly show damage to the plane's fuselage, including punctures and dents that strongly indicate a missile strike by air defence," added Zelensky.

The plane, which was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Chechnya's capital, Grozny, crashed near the city of Aktau over the Caspian Sea. At least 38 people died.

According to preliminary findings from Azerbaijani authorities, the plane crash was caused by a Russian missile. As the Embraer-190 approached its destination, the Ukrainian army conducted an attack on Grozny using drones. While attempting to land, a Russian air defence missile exploded near the plane. The damaged aircraft was diverted to Aktau but failed to land there.

Source: PAP, WP Wiadomości