In a remarkable admission, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia’s air defences had downed an Azerbaijani passenger plane. What happened this month back in December 2024. A tragedy in western Kazakhstan brought to light a host of issues. It led to the loss of life of 38 of the 67 people on board the Embraer 190 airliner.
Putin admitted that two missiles launched from Russian air defense exploded within 10 meters of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane. In an on-stage interview at a summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, he called the incident regrettable. He did not just speak softly, but spoke directly with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev about the situation. These situational realities are likely to add significant friction to what has already become a fractious relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia.
Apologies and Commitments
In his condolences, President Putin told President Aliyev that it was a “tragic incident.” Moreover, he promised his Azerbaijani counterpart that they would take action to hold the perpetrators responsible.
“The Russian side will obviously do everything to provide compensation and give legal assessment to all responsible officials’ action,” – Vladimir Putin
Aliyev responded positively to Putin’s commitment, thanking him for his oversight in the investigation surrounding the plane’s downing. He remarked, “I would like to thank you for keeping the situation under your personal control.”
This dialogue marks a pivotal moment for the two nations, signaling their intent to move past this crisis and restore their previously amicable relations.
Easing Tensions
The downing of the Azerbaijani jet has raised political waves that have rocked the very calm diplomatic waters between Moscow and Baku. Fortunately, on this point both leaders seemed to signal a mutual desire to do just that.
Putin expressed hopes for a re-establishment of collaboration between Russia and Azerbaijan, underscoring the strength of their partnership. “I hope that our cooperation not only will be restored, but continue in the spirit of our relations, the spirit of our alliance,” he stated.
Aliyev seemed to share this optimism, hinting that the ideas they were swapping around would be received favorably by the public at home. “The messages we are sending today to our societies will meet a positive response,” he noted.
Strategic Partnerships
The ties between Azerbaijan and Russia go deeper than just diplomatic niceties. Beyond cutting off Armenia, Azerbaijan is becoming a key transport corridor for Russian trade with Iran and other Middle Eastern partners. In addition to the strategic connection, Russia heavily depends on Azerbaijan for its fruit and vegetables exports, making the link economically essential.
A significant Azerbaijani diaspora (estimated at 500,000) resides in Russia. This local community plays an outsized role in deepening the connection between Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijan’s close ally, Turkey, has since emerged as a key economic partner with Russia. This political development has introduced yet another layer of volatility to these regional rivalries and relations.
Putin’s stamp of responsibility is interpreted by many as a key measure to repair relations with Azerbaijan. And both countries are facing hard economic and strategic realities. We can all hold on to the hope that this tragic incident will lead to the revival of real cooperation and collegiality.
