On January 9, Dmitry Peskov, the Russian Presidential Spokesman, stated that Moscow is providing necessary assistance in identifying the circumstances surrounding the crash of the AZAL airliner near Aktau and emphasized Russia's interest in an objective investigation.

"We are interested in an absolutely objective impartial investigation in order to determine the causes of this disaster," Peskov said during a briefing. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken twice with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding the incident. "Necessary instructions have been given to the investigative bodies, and all necessary assistance and cooperation is being provided in the investigation of the causes of this accident. You know that President Putin apologized and expressed words of regret," Peskov added.

Russian Presidential Spokesperson stated that Moscow is committed to ensuring peace, stability, and security in the Caucasus and will continue developing relations with Baku and Yerevan.

Peskov emphasized the significance of the South Caucasus for Russia, stating, "We want peace, stability, predictability, an atmosphere of mutual trust, and security in the Caucasus. We have good relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and we value these relationships. And we intend to do everything in our power to further develop these relations."

When asked about recent contacts between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev or Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Peskov confirmed that "there were no contacts during these [past] days."

Peskov did not comment on the reported insulting remarks made by Vladimir Karasev, a member of the Russian Public Chamber, about Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. "You know, we honestly don't know what words we are talking about. We really do not know what they are talking about, we have not seen these words, we have not heard these words," Peskov stated.

Peskov reiterated that Russia’s foreign policy is formulated by President Putin and implemented under the coordination of the Foreign Ministry, recommending adherence to these official channels for policy interpretation.