FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Developments from the Christmas Day crash of Azerbaijan Airlines - and Russia's alleged role in it - have been thick and fast today.
To remind you of what we know so far, here's a quick recap.
What happened?
Flight J2-8243 crashed on Christmas Day near the city of Aktau in western Kazakhstan, killing at least 38 people. He had left Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, and was heading to Grozny, a city in the southern Russian region of Chechnya. But as it neared its destination, the plane veered hundreds of miles to the east and crashed on the other side of the Caspian Sea. There were 29 survivors.
Did Russia take it down?
Four sources familiar with the investigation told the Reuters news agency that Russian air defenses caused the plane to crash. The plane was flying over an area where Moscow was defending itself against Ukrainian drones.
One of the sources said preliminary findings indicate the plane was hit by a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system. Its communications were also crippled by electronic warfare systems in Grozny, the source added.
"No one claims it was done on purpose," the source said.
"However, taking into account the proven facts, Baku expects the Russian side to confess the downing of the Azerbaijani plane."
Euronews reported yesterday that Azerbaijani government sources said a missile was fired during drone activity, with shrapnel hitting the aircraft as the missile exploded near the plane mid-flight.
How has Russia responded?
Initially, Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said the emergency may have been caused by a bird strike.
Before reports of the Russian attack emerged, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it would not be appropriate to comment until an investigation was completed.
Earlier today - more than 15 hours after the reports began to emerge - Peskov said only that he had nothing to add.
And just a few hours ago, Rosaviatsia said that the captain of the plane had been offered other airports for landing, but had chosen Aktau.
The pilot tried to land twice at Grozny airport, the watchdog added, but thick fog and a local drone alert aborted the attempt. He said he would provide comprehensive support to the Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan investigations.
What did the airline say?
Azerbaijan Airlines spoke of "external physical and technical interference".
The company has also suspended a number of flights to Russian cities, although it will continue to serve Moscow and St Petersburg. A passenger on the flight said he heard at least one loud noise as the plane approached Grozny. / Pamphlet
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