Russia and Azerbaijan have long shared a complex relationship shaped by historical ties, regional politics, and economic interdependence.
Once part of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991 but maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow.
The relationship has been marked by cooperation in trade and energy but also by tension over regional conflicts and strategic ambitions.
Recent events have tested these dynamics further, as a deadly plane crash involving Russian air defenses has brought new challenges to the forefront.
Initial Explanations Were Absurd
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev has accused Russia of responsibility for a tragic plane crash that killed 38 people in Kazakhstan, according to L'Independent.
The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, traveling from Baku to Grozny on December 25, reportedly came under fire from Russian air defenses while in Russian airspace.
The crash occurred near the Kazakh city of Aktau and left 38 of the 62 passengers and crew aboard dead.
Speaking on Azerbaijani state television, Aliev stated:
“Our plane was accidentally shot down,” explaining that the aircraft had been subjected to electronic interference and missile fire as it approached Grozny.
He also criticized Russia for its initial explanations, calling them “absurd,” and accused Moscow of attempting to conceal the truth.
Early Russian claims suggested causes such as bird strikes or a gas explosion, which Aliev dismissed as blatant misinformation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences in a phone call to Aliev on December 30, describing the crash as a "tragic accident."
However, Aliev demanded a formal admission of responsibility and punishment for those involved.
According to sources familiar with the Azerbaijani investigation, preliminary findings indicate that Russian air defenses mistakenly targeted the plane.
In response to the incident, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to seven Russian cities. The crash has strained bilateral relations, with Aliev calling on Russia to take full accountability for its actions.
The Kremlin has yet to provide a conclusive explanation for the incident, pending further investigation.
