They say: “Everyone makes mistakes. The wise admit them. The strong ask for forgiveness. And the loving restore relationships.” It has been 23 days since the crash of the AZAL plane near Aktau (the tragedy occurred on December 25 last year, with 67 people on board, 38 of whom perished). The causes of the crash have been known from the start: the plane was shot down by a ground-launched anti-aircraft missile system while approaching the city of Grozny. Yet, during this time, Azerbaijan, which rightly demands an objective investigation and punishment of those responsible for the tragedy, has encountered blatant arrogance instead of apologies, sympathy, or understanding.
Yes, Russian President Vladimir Putin eventually apologized, but with certain reservations: “…the plane attempted to land several times at Grozny airport. At the time, Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz were under attack by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defense systems were countering these attacks,” signaling that he was not prepared to accept full responsibility for the incident.
Putin merely offered “help” in investigating the causes of the crash. However, Baku stated that it does not trust the objectivity of the Interstate Aviation Committee, which is headed by Russian citizens. Azerbaijan’s leadership explained the reason for its mistrust: “Had we seen fair and adequate steps from Russia immediately after the accident, we might not have objected. But we saw attempts to cover up the matter.”
And, as it seems, this remark is fair and was made in the hope of prompting a reasonable and conscious response from the Russian side. After all, this discussion was held at the level of political leaders from both sides. However, instead of the expected behavior of a self-sufficient and wise partner, we encountered infantilism—akin to a childish “Cheburashka” kindergarten game.
During this period, Azerbaijan has repeatedly become the target of attacks from Russian public figures and certain media outlets, which openly insult our country and people without fear of consequences. Threats are voiced by neo-Nazis, and fabricated accusations are published in outlets like Komsomolskaya Pravda, making their authors appear absurd and rendering the situation even more farcical.
Considering that any statement contradicting Russia’s interests in the context of the war in Ukraine is swiftly punished, there are grounds to suspect that the Kremlin has authorized such insults against Azerbaijan. It is even possible that the entire process is under the control of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
But friends, partners—especially strategic ones—do not act this way. Clearly, Russia is not seeking friends; on the contrary, it is creating enemies, disregarding even the few allies it still has. In a word, it is behaving like an immature teenager trying to dodge responsibility without realizing the gravity of its actions.
On the one hand, what is happening is no longer surprising, as the world seems to have lost its sense of truth and justice. On the other hand, insults and rudeness begin where arguments end. Azerbaijan consistently adheres to ethical norms: Azerbaijani media, experts, and social media users do not stoop to insults or cross boundaries of decency. This is why the dirty Soviet-style propaganda and cheap theatrics emanating from Russia are entirely unacceptable to us.
No one expected such cheap tactics from Russia. As a neighboring and ostensibly friendly country, Russia should have demonstrated responsibility, provided answers, conducted an objective investigation, and fulfilled its obligations. Instead, it chooses to play games. Clearly, the legacy of dirty Soviet propaganda is alive and thriving in Russia. What a pity…
