Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev following the fatal crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 on Christmas, which claimed 35 passenger lives, along with two pilots and one crew member among the 67 onboard.
While expressing regret for the tragedy, Putin stopped short of taking responsibility, stating that the ongoing investigation must be concluded before any attribution of fault is made.
"During the conversation, Vladimir Putin expressed his apologies regarding the tragic incident" that occurred after the aircraft "was subjected to external physical and technical interference in Russian airspace," Aliyev said in an online announcement.
"President Putin extended his deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the crash and wished a swift recovery to the injured," Aliyev said.