Azerbaijan Seeks Legal Action Against Russia

(MENAFN) Azerbaijan holds the right to pursue legal proceedings against Russia regarding a fatal aviation incident in 2024, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

His remarks came shortly after President Ilham Aliyev indicated that legal steps were under review.

President Aliyev revealed last week that Baku had formally informed Moscow about its intentions following the Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 disaster.

The plane sustained damage within Russian airspace amid a Ukrainian drone strike and was forced to make an emergency landing in Kazakhstan. Of the 67 individuals aboard, 38 perished.

Though the Azerbaijani leader did not specify a timeline for initiating legal proceedings, he emphasized that a thorough investigation would require significant time.

Peskov affirmed this view, stating that Russia would “await the official verdicts of all probes and inquiries.”

A preliminary assessment attributed the accident to “external interference,” though it offered no further details.

This development occurs as tensions continue to rise between Baku and Moscow.

Diplomatic relations have worsened following a recent operation by Russian law enforcement in Ekaterinburg, where two Azerbaijani citizens—allegedly linked to criminal activities—were killed.

Azerbaijani authorities dismissed the Russian version of events and accused local law enforcement of committing murder.

The resulting diplomatic rift triggered retaliatory measures from Azerbaijan.

Authorities in Baku conducted a raid on the Sputnik news outlet’s local office, detaining two journalists along with several others.

Additionally, all Russia-related cultural programs were put on hold by the Azerbaijani government.

Despite these rising frictions, Peskov emphasized the historically cooperative relationship between the nations and conveyed optimism for a potential reduction in hostilities.

MENAFN22072025000045017167ID1109830120