Survivors have shared the terrifying moment Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was diverted from its destination of Grozny and then hit three times.

Kremlin statement did not say Russia had shot down the plane, only noting that a criminal case had been opened.

Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that the plane had been shot down by Russian air defenses attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike.

Vladimir Putin admitted Saturday Russian air defense was working when an Azerbaijani Airlines plane tried to land in Grozny ...