Scholz on AZAL plane crash: Russia's war affecting more and more innocent people
Photo: Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany (Getty Images)
The crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane due to Russian air defense systems demonstrates that Russia's war against Ukraine is increasingly affecting innocent people, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Twitter (X).
"Russia's brutal war against Ukraine is increasingly affecting more and more innocent people – even beyond Ukraine. This is evidenced by the plane crash in Aktau, which must be fully investigated. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery," said Scholz.
Russia downed a passenger plane
On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane was en route from Baku to Grozny. As the plane approached Grozny, it was denied permission to land. Russian air defense systems then targeted the aircraft, damaging it.
Despite the damage, Russian authorities prohibited the plane from landing. As a result, the pilots were forced to fly toward Kazakhstan. The aircraft crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has confirmed Russia's involvement in the crash. He demanded an apology from Russia and monetary compensation.
For a detailed look at how such an incident might impact relations between the two countries, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.
