Russia Addresses Ongoing Speculation Following Azerbaijan Airlines Crash

Russia has urged caution regarding speculation surrounding the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, calling for patience as the investigation unfolds.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of refraining from drawing conclusions until the investigation provides its findings. “It is premature to speculate on the cause of the crash before the investigation completes its work,” Peskov stated on Thursday.

On Wednesday, an Embraer EMBR3.SA passenger jet crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the deaths of 38 individuals. The flight had diverted from an area of Russia that has recently experienced Ukrainian drone activity.

The incident has triggered intense speculation, including theories of a potential Russian air defense strike, which Moscow has denied.

Investigation Updates

Kazakh authorities confirmed the recovery of 38 bodies from the crash site, and at least 29 survivors have been hospitalized, though details about their injuries remain undisclosed. The flight was originally en route to Makhachkala, Russia, but changed course to Aktau due to adverse weather conditions.

A preliminary investigation suggested that a bird strike might be responsible for the crash; however, some aviation experts contest this theory. Footage from the crash site has led to speculation that the damage could indicate a missile or other attack rather than a bird collision.

Peskov reiterated the need for patience, warning against premature conclusions. “It is wrong to speculate before the investigation is complete,” he noted.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The Embraer 190 was carrying 62 passengers, including individuals from Azerbaijan, Russia, and other nations, along with five crew members. Azerbaijan Airlines reported that the aircraft had passed a comprehensive technical inspection in October and had no known issues before the flight. The airline has refrained from commenting on the speculation, with President Samir Rzayev stating a “detailed investigation” is underway.

In a precautionary measure, Azerbaijan Airlines has announced the suspension of flights to Grozny and Makhachkala until further notice. Experts have questioned the implications of this move, suggesting it may hint at safety concerns regarding the region’s airspace. “It is highly unusual for an airline to halt all flights to a region without a solid reason,” remarked Andrei Litvinov, an aviation expert and pilot.

Conspiracy Theories in the Aftermath

Social media has become a hotbed for conspiracy theories related to the crash, with some suggesting the involvement of a Russian anti-aircraft system amidst heightened tensions in the area. Recent drone attacks have heightened fears about potential accidental or deliberate strikes impacting civilian flights.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that both Ukrainian sources and aviation safety consultants have raised the possibility of a missile strike, linking the incident to recent developments in the region. Nevertheless, Kazakhstan’s emergency services have clarified that the investigation into the crash's cause is ongoing and conclusive statements are yet to be made.