Azerbaijan maintains a firm and resolute position regarding the downing of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft, demanding full accountability from the Russian Federation.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made these remarks to journalists while visiting the "Mother's Cry" monument on the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide.
The minister emphasized that the measures discussed by the Russian President during a meeting with the leader of Azerbaijan in October 2025 must be strictly implemented. "The downing of the aircraft occurred due to an error by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. Our expectation is that all necessary steps will be taken, a legal assessment of the incident will be provided, and compensations will be paid," Jeyhun Bayramov stated.
The incident occurred on December 25, when an Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, performing flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, crashed near the city of Aktau. Of the 67 people on board, 38 lost their lives, while 29 survived the tragedy. Preliminary investigations indicate that the crash resulted from physical and technical external interference occurring within the airspace over Grozny, Russia.
This diplomatic demand highlights the ongoing tension regarding aviation safety and international liability. Under international civil aviation protocols, the state where an incident occurs or the party responsible for technical interference is typically held liable for damages. Azerbaijan continues to advocate for the rights of its citizens and the national carrier in international forums, seeking a transparent investigation into the technical failures and military errors that led to the loss of life.
