Amidst the wreckage and ongoing investigation of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, survivor testimonies and emerging evidence suggest a chilling possibility: a Russian anti-aircraft missile may have been responsible. While Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences, stopping short of accepting responsibility, accounts from those onboard paint a disturbing picture of explosions and sudden impacts before the tragic crash.

Passengers described hearing loud bangs, both before and during the descent. Subhonkul Rakhimov, recovering in a hospital, recounted reciting prayers as the plane felt like it was "going to fall apart" after the initial explosion. Another survivor, Vafa Shabanova, mentioned two explosions in the air before the crash. Flight attendant Aydan Rahimli recalled oxygen masks deploying after a loud noise, followed by a second bang while administering first aid to a colleague. Zulfugar Asadov, the injured colleague, likened the impact to being struck with an axe, dismissing claims of an internal oxygen canister explosion.

The plane, originally bound for Chechnya, diverted due to fog and drone activity in the region. It ultimately crashed far off course, raising questions about the circumstances of the diversion. The pilot reportedly attempted to gain altitude after the initial bang, followed by two more explosions. Video footage captured the plane's rapid descent and fiery impact, with survivors emerging from the wreckage. Holes were visible in the tail section, further fueling speculation of external damage.

While the Kremlin cites Ukrainian drone activity and air defense operations in the area, preliminary investigations suggest the possibility of a Russian Pantsir-S missile strike. While no official claims of intent have been made, Azerbaijan reportedly expects Russia to acknowledge the incident. The Kremlin, however, maintains that the cause of the crash remains to be determined by investigators. The U.S., based on initial findings, also points to the potential involvement of Russian air defense systems.

In the wake of the tragedy, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to multiple Russian airports. The investigation continues, with survivor accounts and emerging evidence suggesting a grave possibility of unintended consequences from ongoing regional conflicts.