Downing of the Azerbaijani airliner again proves that Russia is a terrorist state

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) condemns Russia’s latest atrocity: the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, en route from Baku to Grozny. We mourn the 38 innocent civilians lost due to a Russian anti-aircraft missile strike within Russian airspace, standing in solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan.

We urge international agencies to ensure a fair investigation into this tragedy and call on the global community to hold those responsible accountable. Additionally, we appeal to President Ilham Aliyev to reassess Azerbaijan’s stance towards Russia, which continues to demonstrate its aggression.

“Together with the global Ukrainian community, we express our deepest condolences to Azerbaijan and honor the innocent victims of Russia’s aggression. This tragic crash reminds us of another unresolved crime: the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Donbas in 2014. The perpetrators of both atrocities, along with Russian political and military leaders, must face justice,” stated UWC President Paul Grod.

In a manner similar to the MH17 incident, Russian authorities have attempted to conceal the true cause of the Azerbaijani airliner crash, even alleging a Ukrainian combat drone attack. However, the damage to the aircraft is consistent with that of a surface-to-air missile strike. Moscow’s cynical apology does little to take full accountability for this heinous act.

“We call on the Azerbaijani government to reconsider its policy towards Russia. Although Azerbaijan has been a long-time partner of Ukraine, it maintains ‘business as usual’ relations with Moscow and officially remains neutral in the Russo-Ukrainian war. This tragedy highlights the failure of such an approach. Russia is a terrorist state and a global threat. We must act together to ensure Moscow is held accountable for its crimes,” Grod added.

About the Ukrainian World Congress

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is an international non-profit organization representing over 25 million Ukrainians in more than 80 countries. Founded in 1967, it promotes the defense of Ukraine’s nation state, its people, and territorial integrity, while fostering Ukrainian national identity globally. Recognized by the UN Economic and Social Council, the UWC advocates for Ukraine’s Euro-integration, NATO membership, recognition of the Holodomor as genocide, and protection of human and minority rights.