**Russia Apologizes for Airliner Crash**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, over the crash of a commercial airliner in Russian airspace. The plane, which was carrying 67 people, crashed in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, killing 38.
**What Happened?**
The Kremlin said that Russian air defence systems were actively repelling Ukrainian drones when the incident occurred. However, aviation experts and officials in Azerbaijan believe that the plane’s GPS systems were affected by electronic jamming, causing it to be damaged by shrapnel from Russian missile blasts.
**Investigations Launched**
Russia has launched a criminal investigation into the crash, while Azerbaijan is also investigating. The Kremlin released a statement saying that Putin had spoken to Aliyev and apologized for the “tragic incident”.
**US Officials Believe Russia Responsible**
US defence officials have said they believe Russia was responsible for downing the plane. However, Azerbaijan had not officially accused Russia until now.
**Key Points**
* 38 people were killed when the plane crashed in Kazakhstan
* The plane was trying to land at Grozny airport in Chechnya when it came under fire from Russian air defence systems
* Aviation experts believe electronic jamming and shrapnel caused the crash
* Russia has launched a criminal investigation, while Azerbaijan is also investigating