Putin Admits Russian Air Defense Downed Azerbaijani Jet, Killing 38, in Bid to Ease Tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly admitted for the first time that Russia’s own air defense forces were responsible for the downing of an Azerbaijani passenger jet in December 2024 — a tragedy that claimed 38 lives and severely strained ties between Moscow and Baku.
Speaking during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where both leaders attended a summit of former Soviet nations, Putin acknowledged that Russian missiles were to blame for the incident. He pledged full accountability and compensation for the victims’ families.
Russia Takes Responsibility for Fatal Crash
Putin revealed that Russian air defense systems mistakenly targeted an Azerbaijan Airlines jetliner flying from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, on December 25, 2024. The aircraft was reportedly hit when Russian forces attempted to intercept what they believed was a Ukrainian drone entering Russian airspace.
“The missiles launched by our air defenses exploded near the Azerbaijan Airlines plane as it was preparing to land,” Putin said, adding that he had ordered an immediate investigation. “Those responsible will face consequences, and Russia will ensure fair compensation for the victims.”
The admission marks Putin’s first direct acknowledgment of Russia’s role in the tragedy — a step that analysts view as an effort to calm diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan, a key regional partner.
Confusion Over Target Led to Catastrophe
According to Azerbaijani officials, the aircraft, carrying 67 passengers and crew, was struck by Russian missiles as it approached Grozny. The pilots then attempted an emergency landing in western Kazakhstan but lost control before reaching the runway. The crash killed 38 people on board, with 29 others surviving the impact.
Ukrainian drones have regularly penetrated Russian airspace in recent months, targeting critical infrastructure deep inside Russia. The heightened state of alert may have contributed to the fatal misidentification of the civilian plane.
A day after the incident, Russia had expressed “regret” but stopped short of admitting fault. Putin personally called President Aliyev at the time, describing the event as a “tragic mistake,” while the Kremlin blamed the chaotic conditions caused by ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes.
Aliyev’s Strong Reaction and Mounting Friction
In the days following the crash, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev publicly criticized Moscow for what he described as an attempt to “hush up the truth.” He demanded a transparent investigation and full accountability from Russia.
“The loss of innocent lives cannot be justified by confusion or miscommunication,” Aliyev said at the time. “We expect a clear admission of responsibility and concrete action to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.”
Putin’s latest statement appears to be a direct response to Aliyev’s earlier frustration and a move to rebuild trust between the two countries.
Diplomatic Strain Between Moscow and Baku
The incident has significantly disrupted what had been historically warm relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. The two countries had maintained close economic and security ties, especially concerning energy cooperation and regional stability in the South Caucasus.
However, the downing of the Azerbaijani jetliner led to widespread outrage in Baku and fueled anti-Russian sentiment among the public. Tensions further escalated in June 2025 when several ethnic Azerbaijanis were killed during police raids in a Russian city, an episode that drew condemnation from the Azerbaijani government.
In addition, a series of arrests of Russian nationals in Azerbaijan — allegedly in response to the earlier incidents — deepened the diplomatic rift.
A Move Toward De-escalation
At the Dushanbe summit, Putin and Aliyev were seen engaging in what observers described as a “tense but constructive” dialogue. According to Kremlin sources, the two leaders agreed to establish a joint investigation committee to review the sequence of events leading to the crash and to improve air defense coordination between the two countries.
“Russia and Azerbaijan share a common interest in preventing such accidents in the future,” Putin stated. “We will strengthen communication channels and ensure that civilian flights are never again endangered by military operations.”
Aliyev, in turn, welcomed Russia’s public acknowledgment but urged Moscow to take concrete steps toward accountability and reparations. “Our people demand justice, and we will ensure that justice is served,” he said.
Broader Regional Implications
Experts believe Putin’s admission could mark a turning point in regional diplomacy. Russia, which has long positioned itself as a key power broker in the South Caucasus, is now facing growing pressure to demonstrate responsibility and transparency in its military operations.
The incident also underscores the dangers of increasingly blurred lines between civilian and military activities amid ongoing conflicts. As Ukrainian drone incursions into Russian territory continue, Moscow’s air defenses remain on high alert — heightening the risk of further tragic errors.
Political analyst Ivan Timofeyev noted that Putin’s acknowledgment “shows a pragmatic recognition that continued denial would only isolate Russia further in the region.” He added, “By taking responsibility, Moscow aims to salvage relations with Baku and demonstrate that it can still act as a responsible partner.”
Public Reaction and Calls for Accountability
Families of the victims in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have welcomed Putin’s admission but demanded full transparency regarding the investigation. Many are calling for Russia to publish radar and flight data to prove that the aircraft was mistakenly identified as a hostile target.
A memorial service held in Baku last month drew thousands of mourners, with relatives of the victims lighting candles and placing flowers near portraits of those who perished. “We lost fathers, mothers, and children because of a preventable mistake,” one survivor said. “Apologies are not enough — we need answers and justice.”
Looking Ahead
While Putin’s statement marks a rare act of accountability by Moscow, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to mend fractured relations. Analysts suggest that the sincerity of Russia’s commitment to compensation and punishment of those responsible will determine how quickly trust can be restored.
For now, both nations appear willing to move forward diplomatically. Putin and Aliyev have agreed to hold another bilateral meeting next month in Moscow to finalize the compensation process and discuss measures to improve airspace security.
“The tragedy of December 25 must serve as a reminder of the importance of communication, caution, and cooperation,” Aliyev said. “Only through mutual respect and responsibility can we prevent such heartbreak in the future.”