Key Takeaways:
– The UK has criticized Russia following Putin’s apology for the Azerbaijani plane crash that caused 38 fatalities.
– Putin’s apology was for the crash occurring in Russian airspace, but he refrained from taking accountability for the incident.
– The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has called for a thorough, independent investigation.
– Both US and Azerbaijani officials have accused Russia of being at fault for the crash, citing its air defences’ response to a Ukrainian drone attack.
– Following fresh EU sanctions, Russia has reportedly broadened its visa ban list targeting EU officials.
Unsettling Apology from Putin
UK authorities have severely criticized Russia following an apology issued by President Vladimir Putin to his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev concerning a plane crash in Russian airspace, which resulted in 38 deaths. Putin expressed regret for the fact that “the tragic incident” occurred within Russia’s territorial limits. However, he refrained from accepting Russian culpability for the deadly event.
UK Demands Independent Investigation
In retort, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office demanded a complete independent investigation into the incident. They stated that President Putin’s apology overlooked the reckless and irresponsible actions of the Russian state that pose a direct and acute threat to the national security and interests of other countries. The Azerbaijani plane, Flight J2-8243, crashed on Wednesday near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after detouring from southern Russia, where Ukrainian drones were reportedly attacking several cities. The crash claimed 38 lives while 29 people survived.
The US Suggests Russian’s Responsibility
The US suggested that Russia might bear responsibility for the downing of the plane. Meanwhile, sources in Azerbaijan alleged that Russian air defence missiles affected the plane. The UK has reiterated its call for a full and independent investigation into the incident, condemning the Russian state’s irresponsible actions as a direct threat to the national security and interests of other states.
Russia’s Answer to EU Sanctions
Recent developments have seen Russia retaliating against a new set of European Union sanctions by greatly expanding a list of banned EU and EU member state officials. The sanctions were primarily a response against the actions of Chinese entities and more vessels from Moscow’s shadow fleet. Now, more unnamed “representatives of security agencies, state and commercial organisations of EU countries, and citizens of EU member states responsible for providing military aid to Kyiv” are included in Russia’s stop list.
Zelensky’s Stand against Russian Aggression
In another related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged China to pressure North Korea if it is sincere in its statements about preventing the expansion of war. Zelensky stated that North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region were suffering heavy losses. He accused Russia of purposely sending them to the frontline where they have minimal defence.
A Closer Look at Russia’s Statement
Putin’s apology to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev was mainly for the incident happening within Russian airspace. Nevertheless, he didn’t confess that Moscow was responsible. Allegations have since been rife that the plane was downed by Russian air defences in response to a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny.
The official Kremlin statement revealed that air defence systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner made multiple landing attempts there. Although the statement didn’t explicitly say one of these hit the plane, its implications continue to stir international disagreement and demand for transparency.
As global tensions rise, the world waits in anticipation of Russia’s next action and the potential consequences it may bring.