NEWS STORY : Kremlin Denies Deliberately Downing Azerbaijani Aircraft

STORY

The Kremlin has denied that Russia deliberately down an Azerbaijani aircraft, but admitted that it was using defence systems at the time. A spokesperson for the Kremlin said in a statement:

“Vladimir Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. It was noted in the conversation that the Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, which was travelling according to its schedule, repeatedly tried to land at Grozny airport. At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defense systems repelled these attacks.”

John Kirby, the White House press spokesperson, said in a briefing:

“We do have — have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense systems. That said, there’s an ongoing investigation right now. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are conducting this jointly.”