Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432, which crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, 2024, is believed to have been downed by Russian air defense systems, resulting in 38 fatalities. Preliminary investigations indicate the aircraft was struck by a missile while seeking an emergency landing due to fog. Azerbaijan declared a national day of mourning as conflicting reports emerged regarding the crash's cause, prompting calls for an inquiry from NATO. The Kremlin urges caution against speculation, while aviation experts emphasize the need for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.