AZE.US
Azerbaijan’s position regarding the downing of an AZAL passenger aircraft remains firm, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said during remarks to journalists on the sidelines of a memorial event marking the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy.
According to Bayramov, the issue was discussed during a meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia in October 2025. He stated that measures referenced by the Russian side at that time must be implemented.
“The downing of the aircraft occurred as a result of an error by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Our expectation is that all necessary steps will be taken, a legal assessment will be provided, and compensation will be paid,” the minister said.
The incident refers to the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer 190 operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny on December 25. The aircraft went down near Aktau. Of the 67 people on board, 38 were killed and 29 survived.
Azerbaijani officials have stated that the aircraft was struck by Russian air defense systems over Grozny.
Bayramov’s comments signal that Baku considers the matter unresolved and expects both legal accountability and compensation.
The statement underscores that, from Azerbaijan’s perspective, the case remains open pending concrete follow-up measures.