Putin apologizes to Azerbaijan over ‘tragic’ plane crash, but stops short of taking responsibility
NBCJan 01
Putin Makes Second Call to Azerbaijan's Aliyev Over Downed Passenger Jet
story
Above: In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's Pres. Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Russia's Emergency Situations Minister at the Kremlin in Moscow on December 27, 2024. Image copyright: Alexander Kazakov/Contributor/Pool/Sputnik/via Getty Images
The Facts
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Sunday made his second phone call to Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev in as many days over the passenger jet downed by Russia on Christmas Day, killing 38 of 67 on board.
In a call initiated by Putin on Saturday, the Russian leader apologized for the incident and "extended his deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the crash."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
After days of incoherent explanations and trying to silence what happened, Azerbaijan made clear that Russia must apologize and admit its guilt, prosecute those criminally responsible and pay compensation for the injured. Russia has made good on its first promise, but the other conditions remain.
Pro-Russia narrative
After promising to stay in contact following their first phone call, Putin and Aliyev have carried on their conversation about various issues related to the Azerbaijan Airlines crash.
