Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that last week’s plane crash in Kazakhstan, which killed 38 people, was caused by Russian air defense fire, though unintentionally.

Aliyev criticized Russia for initially trying to cover up the incident and demanded an apology, admission of guilt, punishment of those responsible, and compensation.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized, he stopped short of accepting responsibility.

Azerbaijan rejected Russia’s proposal for an investigation by the Russia-led Interstate Aviation Committee, favoring international experts instead.

A joint probe by Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan is ongoing, NBC News has reported.

Survivors reported hearing loud noises before the crash, which occurred as the plane diverted from Grozny due to Ukrainian drone activity in the area.

Written by B.C. Begley