AKIPRESS.COM - President of Russia Vladimir Putin during telephone call apologized to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for the crash of passenger jet AZAL near the city of Aktau on December 25.

Putin apologized that the tragic air crash occurred in the Russian airspace and once again expressed condolences to families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

"It was noted that the Azerbaijan’s passenger jet, which was accurately following the schedule, repeatedly attempted to land in the airport of Grozny. At this time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz was attacked by Ukrainian combat drones, and Russian air defense forces responded these attacks," the Kremlin said.

The investigative committee of Russia launched criminal probe for violation of the rules on safety and operation of air transport. The initial investigative actions are conducted, civilian and military experts are questioned.

Currently, two staff members of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan are in Grozny working together with representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the investigative committee of Russia. The relevant services of Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are also working closely together on the scene of the disaster in the area of Aktau.

An Embraer 190 aircraft of the Azerbaijan Airlines, which was flying on the route Baku-Grozny, crashed near Aktau on December 25. The aircraft was carrying 67 people, including five crew members and 62 passengers. As a result of the crash 38 people died, 29 people survived.