"I expressed my condolences to him and the Azerbaijani people regarding the horrific disaster of flight J2-8243 of Azerbaijan Airlines. We acknowledged the heroism of the pilots and the entire crew of the aircraft," wrote the head of the Ukrainian state.
According to Zelensky, a thorough investigation is currently a key priority, which "will answer all questions regarding what actually happened."
"Russia must provide clear explanations and cease the spread of disinformation. The damage to the aircraft's fuselage is clearly visible in the photos and videos, particularly the holes and dents that closely resemble the impact of a surface-to-air missile," noted the president. "We will support Azerbaijan in this situation with all necessary means and urge other countries to provide assistance as well."
Zelensky added that he and Aliyev agreed to intensify bilateral contacts in the near future.
Earlier, on December 28, the Kremlin reported on a conversation between Aliyev and the illegitimate Russian president Vladimir Putin. The latter apologized to the president of Azerbaijan for the "tragic incident" involving flight J2-8243 in Russian airspace.
"During the conversation, it was noted that the Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, which was following its schedule, repeatedly attempted to land at the airport in Grozny. At that time, Grozny, Mozdok, and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian combat drones, and Russian air defense systems were repelling these attacks," the Kremlin informed.
Putin apologized to Aliyev for the "physical and technical interference" that the passenger aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines suffered and the resulting "tragic incident," reports the website of the president of Azerbaijan.
During the conversation with Putin, Aliyev emphasized the presence of numerous holes in the aircraft's fuselage, injuries to passengers and crew members from foreign particles that penetrated on board while still in the air.