Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an apology to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding the Azerbaijan Airlines crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The Kremlin stated, “Putin offered his deep condolences to the families of the victims and expressed regret over the tragic event in Russian airspace.”

Putin explained that the Azerbaijani aircraft made multiple landing attempts in Grozny, Chechnya, while Russian air defense systems were responding to a Ukrainian drone attack. He added that the Russian Investigative Committee has launched a case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code for violations of air traffic safety.

The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors among the 67 people onboard. Azerbaijani officials are collaborating with Russian and Kazakh counterparts in the investigation and response efforts at the crash site near Aktau.