Following the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 people, President Aliyev accused Russia of unintentionally shooting down the plane. He demanded an apology, acknowledgment, and compensation. Initial Russian explanations of a gas explosion and bird strikes were labeled by Aliyev as attempts to cover up. Putin expressed condolences but did not accept blame. The incident occurred when the plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, was allegedly struck by Russian air defense systems. Both nations have agreed to a joint investigation into the tragedy.