**Putin Calls Azerbaijani President After Plane Crash**
Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss a plane crash that killed 38 people. The call was made on December 28, according to the Kremlin.
The Kremlin said that Putin apologized for the accident and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. However, he did not acknowledge any wrongdoing by Russia.
The Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on December 25. There were 67 people on board, including citizens from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
**Investigation Underway**
Putin said that an investigation was underway, with representatives from Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office working with Russian authorities in Grozny. Officials from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan are also working together at the crash site.
However, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine called for a thorough investigation into the crash, pointing to evidence that suggested the plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile.
**Global Response**
The international community is closely watching the situation. Ukrainian leaders have called on Russia to provide clear explanations about the crash.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has been building heavy fortifications near the city of Zaporizhzhia in preparation for a potential Russian offensive.
In other news, Slovakia’s Prime Minister announced that his government will evaluate reciprocal measures against Ukraine if it stops the transit of Russian gas.