Peskov: Putin apologized for AZAL plane crash near Aktau

Russia is interested in an objective and impartial investigation of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft crash in Aktau, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said, reported from Russian media.

"We are interested in an absolutely objective and impartial investigation to determine the causes of this disaster," Peskov told journalists.

He also added that Russia is awaiting "the results of the relevant commission's work" and noted that Russian specialists are assisting with the investigation.

"President Putin and President Aliyev spoke twice by phone. Necessary instructions were given to investigative authorities, and all necessary assistance and cooperation in investigating the causes of this accident are being provided. President Putin offered apologies and expressed words of regret," Peskov emphasized.

An AZAL passenger plane operating the Baku-Grozny flight crashed on December 25 near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. Of the 67 people on board, 38 died and 29 survived.

According to preliminary data, the plane crashed as a result of physical and technical external interference in Russian airspace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously apologized for the AZAL aircraft incident occurring in Russian airspace. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, in an interview with AzTV on December 29, stated that Azerbaijan had put forward three conditions regarding the incident: the Russian side must apologize, admit guilt, and hold all those responsible accountable and pay compensation to Azerbaijan, the affected and deceased passengers, and crew members of the aircraft.

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