WHITE House has indicated that Russia may be responsible for downing the Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed on December 25, killing 38 people. U.S. spokesman John Kirby said that early indications point to Russian involvement, though he did not provide further details.
The U.S. has offered assistance with the investigation into the crash.
The plane, which was attempting to land in Chechnya, was reportedly struck by Russian air-defense systems before being diverted to Kazakhstan, where it crashed.
While the Kremlin has declined to comment, Russia’s civil aviation head mentioned that the situation in Chechnya was complicated due to Ukrainian drone strikes.
Azerbaijan has not directly blamed Russia, but the country’s transport minister confirmed the plane experienced “external interference” and was damaged while trying to land.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple blasts when the aircraft was above Grozny.
Investigators are now looking into the type of weapon used in the attack.
Pro-government MP Rasim Musabekov stated that the plane was shot down over Russian territory, near Grozny, making it impossible to deny the attack.
A flight attendant described the panic inside the plane after it was hit by an external strike over Chechnya.
Despite the claims, the Kremlin has refused to comment on the growing reports of Russian air defense involvement.
An investigation is underway, with Kazakh authorities treating the injured and working closely with Azerbaijan.
Both Russia and Kazakhstan have proposed a CIS investigation, but Azerbaijan has demanded an international inquiry.