President Vladimir Putin’s promise of a legal review into the 2024 plane crash opens up a legal minefield, with complex questions of jurisdiction, military law, and international accountability. The path to holding officials responsible will be closely watched and highly scrutinized.
The admission that Russian missiles downed the Azerbaijani jet establishes a basis for legal action. However, the investigation will likely be conducted internally by Russia’s own military and legal systems, raising immediate concerns about impartiality.
Azerbaijan and the international community will be looking for a transparent and credible process. Key questions will include: Who gave the order to fire? What were the rules of engagement? Was there a failure of command and control? And will any findings be made public?
The claim that Ukrainian drones were the intended target adds another layer of complexity, potentially introducing arguments of military necessity versus reckless endangerment. The legal review will have to navigate these difficult distinctions.
Ultimately, the credibility of this legal process will be a major factor in any potential reconciliation. A review seen as a whitewash could do more damage than no review at all, while a genuinely robust and transparent investigation could be a crucial step toward justice for the 38 victims.