Putin apologizes for 'airplane crash'...Kremlin admits shooting down misconception virtually

[Anchor]
Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev over the phone regarding the plane crash on the 25th.

While Putin did not directly mention the downing of the plane, the Kremlin said Russian air defenses were repelling Ukrainian combat drones, effectively admitting to the misguided downing.

Reporter Kim Ji-young reports.

[Reporter]
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking by phone with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, apologized for the tragic incident in Russian airspace.

We also expressed our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

However, foreign media reported that the call did not directly mention that Russia had shot down the plane.

However, the Kremlin effectively admitted to shooting down the misconception, saying that Russian air defenses were repelling Ukrainian combat drones at the time of the accident.

It is the first time that Russia has acknowledged responsibility and apologized for the plane crash.

Earlier on the 25th, Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 suddenly changed course while leaving Baku for Grozny, Russia.

Crashed while attempting to land in Aktau, western Kazakhstan across the Caspian Sea.

There were a total of 67 people on the plane, but 29 people saved their lives through a narrow escape.Shortly after the

accident, Russia said, "The plane collided with a flock of birds," but suspicions have been raised that the crash site was significantly off course and there were many holes in the aircraft.

[Bappa Shavanova / Crash Passenger: I felt two explosions 20 to 30 minutes after takeoff. The plane was going to land, but it didn't.]

The Russian side then admitted the allegations a day after Azerbaijani authorities concluded a preliminary investigation that the plane had been hit by a Russian anti-aircraft missile or its debris.

[Transport Minister Rashad Naviev / Azerbaijan (last 27th): The initial conclusion of the Azerbaijani side is that there was clearly external interference in this case.]

"The most important thing is to find an answer to what really happened through a thorough investigation," Ukrainian President Zelensky said on social media after speaking to Azerbaijan's president.

I'm Kim Jiyoung of YTN.



Video Edit Song Bo-hyun