Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered a rare apology to his Azerbaijani counterpart over the crash of a passenger jet that occurred in Russian airspace. The incident happened across the Caspian Sea from Chechnya and killed 38 of the 67 people on board.
Putin’s apology acknowledged that the tragedy occurred in Russian airspace, but stopped short of accepting responsibility for the crash. The Kremlin maintained that Russia had no role in the incident, citing a Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny as the cause.
However, experts say the apology is likely a strategic move by Putin to avoid major damage to relations with Azerbaijan and other countries in the region. The Kremlin’s limited response has left many dissatisfied, particularly in Azerbaijan where officials have accused Russia of trying to cover up the true cause of the crash.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev publicly criticized Putin’s apology, saying it came too late and was insufficient. He also rejected a proposal by Russia to investigate the crash through the Interstate Aviation Committee, which he deemed biased towards Russian interests.
The plane crash has exposed Russia’s declining regional clout, with many experts citing its strained relationships with neighbors in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The incident has drawn international attention to Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine, further eroding its influence in the region.
Analysts say Putin’s apology marks a rare moment of candor from the normally inflexible leader, but it is likely aimed at maintaining his position rather than admitting fault. As Russia continues to face challenges in the region, its ability to project power and influence will remain fragile.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/plane-crash-russia-influence-caucasus/33259438.html