Zelensky Urges Pressure on Russia Over AZAL Plane Crash in Aktau

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for increased pressure on Russia in the wake of the Embraer 190 crash involving Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Zelensky made the remarks during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22.

In a statement on his Telegram channel, Zelensky extended his condolences to Aliyev over the loss of lives in the December 25 crash. He stated that “the evidence from the crash site is clear” and emphasized the need to "pressure Russia into speaking the truth."

The incident has drawn global attention, raising concerns over Russia's crisis management protocols and the use of electronic warfare systems that allegedly disrupted the plane's navigation.

The crash of the Azerbaijani Embraer 190 with 62 passengers onboard, initially attributed to technical failure, has sparked fresh debates following reports from investigative outlet Baza. Leaked transcripts reveal the crew's repeated attempts to land in Russian airports after their navigation systems malfunctioned, allegedly due to interference from Russian electronic warfare (EW) systems. These systems, designed for military operations, may have inadvertently compromised the safety of civilian aircraft.

The situation escalated when the aircraft was reportedly struck by an anti-aircraft missile, causing severe damage to its tail and wing. Subsequent fuel leaks and loss of control systems forced the crew to attempt an emergency landing in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

Captain Igor Kshnyakin's decision to divert the aircraft to Aktau has been hailed as an act of professionalism and courage. Aviation experts, including Andrei Litvinov, highlighted the crew's ability to maintain stability under nearly impossible conditions, citing the loss of key control mechanisms as akin to "driving a car without a steering wheel."

Transcripts show that the crew repeatedly sought permission to land at Russian airports, only to be met with insufficient support. The plane remained in Russian airspace for over an hour, with no apparent efforts made to deactivate EW systems or assist the aircraft.

The decision to bypass Russian airspace and head to Kazakhstan, analysts suggest, was motivated by distrust in Russian authorities and concerns over the safety of passengers.

Kazakhstan's air traffic controllers received the crew's Mayday signal, marking a critical turning point in the crisis. Their swift response contrasts sharply with Russia's alleged inaction, underscoring the crew's decision to rely on external support.

The incident raises broader questions about the transparency and accountability of Russian crisis protocols. Aviation experts have criticized the deployment of EW systems in civilian airspace and the subsequent lack of effective coordination to assist a distressed aircraft.

The disaster became the center of international attention, which called for a thorough investigation. Zelensky's remarks in Davos signal Ukraine's alignment with calls for accountability, further straining relations with Russia.

As investigations continue, attention remains on Russia's handling of the crisis and its implications for regional aviation safety. For now, the release of conflicting information by outlets such as Baza appears aimed at deflecting blame, adding to the growing chorus of questions surrounding Moscow’s role in the tragedy.