10 Months Later, Russia Admits Deadly Downing of Azerbaijani Plane

In a surprising move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged that a Russian military plane was responsible for downing an Azerbaijani military helicopter last year, marking a rare admission of error by the Kremlin. The incident, which occurred on November 8, 2020, resulted in the deaths of two Azerbaijani pilots.The acknowledgment comes at a time when relations between Russia and Azerbaijan have been strained. The two former Soviet states have had a complex and often tumultuous relationship, with tensions escalating in recent years over issues such as energy, trade, and regional security.According to official statements, the Russian Mi-35 helicopter was operating in Armenian-controlled territory near the Nagorno-Karabakh region when it mistakenly targeted and downed the Azerbaijani Mi-24 helicopter. The incident sparked outrage in Azerbaijan, with the country's leaders demanding a thorough investigation and accountability from Russia.The delayed admission of responsibility by Russia has been seen as an attempt to ease tensions and repair relations with Azerbaijan. However, critics argue that the move comes too late, and that the damage to trust and credibility has already been done.The downing of the Azerbaijani plane occurred during a period of heightened tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war in 2020, which resulted in significant human suffering and displacement.President Putin's acknowledgment of the incident has been seen as a gesture of goodwill, aimed at improving relations with Azerbaijan and potentially paving the way for renewed cooperation on regional security and economic issues. However, with relations between the two countries still strained, it remains to be seen whether this move will be enough to fully repair the damage and restore trust.