In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Vladimir Putin has pointed fingers at Azerbaijan after Russian air defence systems shot down a military aircraft near their shared border. The incident has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and raised fears of a broader confrontation.
Kremlin's Stern Accusation
The Russian leader delivered a stark warning, claiming the Azerbaijani jet had crossed into restricted airspace and left his forces with no alternative but to engage. "Our air defence systems were forced to respond to this provocation," Putin stated during an emergency briefing.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaos
Local reports from the border region describe a scene of panic and confusion as the aircraft erupted in flames before crashing in a remote mountainous area. Emergency services rushed to the site, though the fate of the crew remains unconfirmed.
Regional Stability Hangs in Balance
This incident represents one of the most serious confrontations between Moscow and Baku in recent years. The South Caucasus region, already a geopolitical tinderbox, now faces renewed uncertainty as both nations assess their next moves.
International Reaction Mounts
World leaders are closely monitoring the situation, with several European capitals calling for immediate de-escalation. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session to address the growing crisis.
Military analysts warn that this incident could trigger a dangerous cycle of retaliation unless cooler heads prevail. The delicate balance of power in the region has been severely disrupted, with potentially far-reaching consequences for European security.
