Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a rare admission regarding a 2024 incident in which Russian air defenses mistakenly targeted an Azerbaijani airliner. According to Putin, the attack occurred after Russian forces reportedly detected a Ukrainian drone near the aircraft, leading to a misidentification and subsequent missile strike. The plane was damaged by missile fragments, though the incident did not result in any fatalities.
This admission comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, particularly in the wake of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The incident has raised questions about the reliability of Russian air defense systems and the potential for accidental strikes during heightened military tensions. While no casualties were reported, the event has sparked international concerns about the safety of civilian aviation in regions of military conflict.
Analysts have expressed skepticism about the official narrative, suggesting that the presence of a Ukrainian drone in the area might have been a factor. However, the exact circumstances and responsibility for the incident remain under investigation. The Azerbaijani government has called for a transparent probe into the event, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved coordination between military and civilian aviation authorities.