The Path Forward: Can Reparations Rebuild a Ruined Relationship?

With Russia admitting fault for the 2024 plane crash, the path forward now depends on whether reparations can rebuild a ruined relationship. President Putin has promised compensation and a legal review, but can these formal acts mend the deep wound of mistrust?
The offer of financial compensation is a necessary first step. It is a tangible acknowledgment of the loss and a state’s responsibility to atone for its errors. For the victims’ families, it can provide a measure of material security and a sense of official recognition of their suffering.
The legal review is equally critical. A transparent and credible investigation that holds individuals accountable could demonstrate that Russia is serious about reform and preventing future tragedies. It is a key component of restoring faith in Russia’s military and political institutions.
However, these reparations are being offered in the shadow of President Aliyev’s accusation of a cover-up. This charge suggests that the damage is not just procedural, but moral. Azerbaijan feels deceived, and no amount of money or legal process can automatically erase that feeling.
The path forward will be long and arduous. It will require not just the fulfillment of these promises, but a sustained effort by Russia to demonstrate through its actions that it is once again a trustworthy partner. Reparations are the start of the journey, not the destination.