Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to Azerbaijan after a plane crash in Russian airspace killed 38 people. The crash occurred during air defence operations. Investigations are underway.

Vladimir Putin admitted Saturday Russian air defense was working when an Azerbaijani Airlines plane tried to land in Grozny before crashing, while stopping short of claiming responsibility. The Kremlin said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev over the “tragic incident” in a phone call,

The White House indicated early evidence points to the crash, which killed 38, being caused by a Russian weapon.