Putin accused of shooting Azerbaijani passenger plane down

Speculation is mounting over the Christmas Day crash of Azerbaijani Airlines Flight J2-8432, with claims that Russian forces may have deliberately sent the plane into a deadly “death spiral” using electronic jamming to cover up firing a missile at the aircraft.

Flight data from Flightradar24 revealed “possible control issues” and “strong GPS jamming and spoofing” as the jet approached Grozny. In a chilling final transmission, the pilot reportedly told Kazakh air traffic control, “I can’t execute, control is lost!” Moments later, the plane plunged nose-first into the ground, killing 38 of the 67 people on board.

Evidence Points to Missile Strike and Jamming

Preliminary investigations suggest that a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system may have struck the flight as military forces targeted Ukrainian drones near Grozny. Azerbaijani outlet Caliber, citing government sources, alleged that the plane’s radars were jammed to force a crash into the Caspian Sea, where evidence and survivors would be unlikely.

Denied permission to make an emergency landing in Russia, the flight was diverted across the Caspian to Kazakhstan, a decision reportedly made under Russian “recommendation.” Azerbaijani officials now believe this diversion may have been orchestrated to conceal the true cause of the crash.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Probe Russia’s Role

Azerbaijani investigators, supported by Kazakh authorities, are examining whether Russian air defenses intentionally targeted the aircraft. Both countries have retrieved black boxes from the crash site near Aktau, with results expected in two weeks. Officials remain tight-lipped, but Azerbaijan has called on Russia to “confess” to the missile strike, which it claims was not intentional but remains a grievous error.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has urged patience, dismissing accusations as premature. Kazakh officials confirmed receiving reports of “control system failure” from Russia before the crash, though details remain unclear.

Survivors and Witness Accounts Raise Questions

Eyewitness accounts add to the mystery. A surviving passenger reported hearing an explosion outside the cabin during an attempted landing, describing how parts of the aircraft’s shell flew off before the fiery crash. Most survivors were seated in the plane’s tail, which detached on impact, sparing those at the rear.

Flight tracking data indicates GPS jamming occurred throughout the flight over Russian territory, consistent with advanced electronic warfare tactics often used by Russia against Ukrainian drones. Aviation experts speculate that such interference could have contributed to the loss of control.

Political Tensions Loom Large

The crash has strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, long-standing partners with a history of complex ties. Azerbaijan has emerged as a key trade link for Russia amid sanctions related to the war in Ukraine, but incidents like this threaten to unravel those bonds. Any failure by Russia to take responsibility risks further eroding trust.

As investigators dig deeper into the tragic events of Christmas Day, the world waits for answers about what caused the deadly crash of Flight J2-8432. The findings could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and aviation safety.