On December 25, 2024, an Embraer‑190 struck by missile fragments crashed into Kazakhstan, killing 38; President Vladimir Putin admitted responsibility only after meeting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Aircraft crashes after missile fragment strike
On 25 December 2024, an Embraer‑190 departed Baku for Gorgny. It was hit by missile fragments, then diverted over the Caspian Sea by Russian flight control. The plane landed in Kazakhstan and crashed, killing 38 people and rescuing 29 survivors.
Immediate apology but no acceptance of fault
Immediately after the incident, Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the “tragic incident.” He did not claim direct responsibility for the aircraft’s damage.
Accusations from Azerbaijan
Aliyev accused the Kremlin of trying to cover up the shoot‑down, alleging the aircraft was struck by Ukrainian drone attacks and missile fragments launched from Russian air‑defence positions.
Putin finally confirms Russia’s guilt
During a meeting with Aliyev before the Central Asia‑Russia summit in Tajikistan, Putin admitted that the air‑defence missile launch caused the damage and that Russia bears responsibility. He said he did not know why Russian flight controllers had refused to accept the damaged aircraft in Gorgny and nearby Machak’al.
Compensation pledge
Putin promised that the Russian side would do everything necessary for compensation and expressed gratitude to Aliyev for bringing the matter to the meeting.