Crash Aftermath: Putin Commits to Compensation and Legal Review

In the aftermath of a tragic 2024 plane crash, Russian President Vladimir Putin has committed to compensation and a legal review after admitting his country’s role in the disaster. The admission, made ten months after the event, is a pivotal moment in the dispute with Azerbaijan.
Putin, speaking to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, called the downing of the passenger jet a “tragedy.” He stated that the incident was an accident caused by Russian missiles intercepting Ukrainian drones that exploded “meters away” from the plane, which was carrying 67 people.
On December 25, 2024, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed, killing 38. The incident has been a major blow to relations between Moscow and Baku, with Azerbaijani officials long suspecting Russian involvement but receiving no official confirmation until now.
President Aliyev did not hold back, accusing Russia of a ten-month effort to “hush up” the truth. This pointed criticism, delivered at a summit in Tajikistan, shows that the path to reconciliation will be long and difficult, despite Putin’s admission.
The dual promise of compensation for the victims and a legal review for the officials involved is Russia’s first concrete step towards making amends. The fulfillment of these promises will be closely watched by Azerbaijan and the international community.