Russian officer named in AZAL plane downing - Photo

Sensational information about the shooting down of a passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) in December 2024 has been released.

1news.media reports that the “Minval Politika” resource has obtained a photo of a serviceman serving in the 80th anti-aircraft missile regiment of the 14th Air and Air Defense Army of Russia and revealed his name.

According to the information, the combat crew that opened fire on the plane was led by Dmitry Sergeyevich Paladichuk. He is the chief computer of the 274th combat vehicle of the “Pantsir-S” anti-aircraft missile and artillery complex. Paladichuk serves in the 1st division of the 80th anti-aircraft missile regiment, which is part of the mobile reserve forces of the 14th Army (military unit No. 75564).

According to the information, it was the crew he led that dealt a fatal blow to the AZAL plane on December 25, 2024.

Although more than 7 months have passed since the incident, neither the Russian side has admitted responsibility, nor has any military personnel directly involved in the downing of the plane been punished. This has caused serious outrage in Azerbaijani public opinion.

It should be noted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced in a statement a few days ago that claims are being prepared against Russia in international courts regarding this incident.

At a time when Russia is trying to cover up this serious crime, the disclosure of Paladichuk's identity may lead to the issue being brought back to the international agenda and increased legal pressure.