The recent downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, which claimed the lives of 38 people, echoes a bloody precedent set by Russia with the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014.
In the case of MH17, Russian forces targeted the Boeing 777 with a “Buk” surface-to-air missile system. An independent international investigation later confirmed that the weapon belonged to the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces. Onboard MH17 were 298 individuals—283 passengers and 15 crew members—including 80 children.
Russia attempted to evade responsibility by issuing around 17 contradictory explanations, yet the truth was revealed, and justice prevailed. Now, similar patterns of denial and misinformation are emerging in the case of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243.
As with MH17, the truth will ultimately come to light. Those responsible—whether operators or commanders—will face strict punishment. Russia will attempt to shift blame onto others, producing stories to deny its involvement, showing no regard for the lives lost. We call on the international community to respond decisively and take action!