Media reports indicate that Azerbaijan has rejected Russia and Kazakhstan’s proposal to conduct the investigation through the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) of the CIS and to decode the “black boxes” independently. Baku insists on an independent investigation involving an international team of experts, including specialists from Embraer. Additionally, a group of Turkish experts has been brought in, highlighting Azerbaijan’s commitment to ensuring maximum transparency in the process.
Recent developments reveal Russia’s attempts to minimize reputational damage. The pressure on Kazakhstan appears to have contributed to recent publications in international media. These reports, citing government sources in Baku, directly implicate Russia. Consequently, leaks from Azerbaijan have thwarted attempts to absolve Russia of responsibility, underscoring Baku’s firm stance. However, the situation is regrettable, particularly given the traditionally friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Yesterday, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport promoted a theory of an oxygen tank explosion onboard the aircraft. This hypothesis was amplified by Russian outlets, which began disseminating it widely. This tactic appears to be an effort to divert public attention from the key fact: the aircraft was struck by a Russian missile. However, this version was debunked by a surviving flight attendant.
Zulfuqar Aghayev stated: “If an oxygen tank had exploded in the aircraft, it would have completely destroyed the plane. There was only one tank onboard, and it remained intact. No other gas cylinders could have been brought onto the aircraft, as security services inspect passengers both manually and with equipment.”
Following this, Kazakhstan was forced to abandon its version, citing information from Rostov flight operations authorities.
Russia’s persistent unwillingness to acknowledge responsibility, express regret, or offer compensation is particularly troubling. Such behavior not only deepens disappointment but also erodes any remaining trust in Moscow among the Azerbaijani public. Even accusations of arrogance fail to fully capture the lack of logic in the Kremlin’s actions.
The refusal to accept accountability and the evasive maneuvers demonstrate Moscow’s intent to obscure the true circumstances. Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to avoid specifics, claiming the need to await investigation results.
Today’s statement by the head of Rosaviatsiya, Alexander Neradko, as previously detailed, was again rife with misinformation and manipulation, further fueling suspicions of an intent to conceal the truth.
How long does Moscow plan to maintain its current position, ignoring reality? And will Kazakhstan continue to cooperate with Russia in attempts to obscure the true causes of the tragedy?
One thing is clear: Baku is standing firm in its commitment to transparency and justice, making any evasive actions by Russia even more detrimental to its reputation.
