International reports suggested that a Russian surface-to-air missile may have shot down the Azerbaijani jet that crashed in southwestern Kazakhstan, killing at least 38 people.

Russia's aviation watchdog stated that initial data indicated the pilot may have chosen to make an emergency landing following a bird hit, but officials did not immediately provide an explanation for the plane's transoceanic flight. CNN reported that the crash took place shortly after drone strikes targeted southern Russia. The report also mentioned that drone activity has caused airports in the region to close in the past, and the closest Russian airport along the plane's flight path was shut down on Wednesday morning.

Osprey Flight Solutions, an independent aviation security company based in the UK, warned airlines that the flight "was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defence system," according to a Wall Street Journal story. “Video of the wreckage and the circumstances around the airspace security environment in southwest Russia indicates the possibility the aircraft was hit by some form of antiaircraft fire," Matt Borie, the chief intelligence officer of the firm was quoted as saying in an interview. According to the Russian independent news outlet Meduza, the footage of the plane reveals signs of a large surface-to-air missile hitting the tail section.

According to Azeri government sources who spoke to Euronews, a Russian surface-to-air missile struck the aircraft. In response to the report, Russia declared that "speculation is incorrect." “The investigation into the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash is underway and it is wrong to speculate before it gives its conclusions," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. The Kyiv Independent reported that similar holes in the fuselage have been seen in many images and videos of both military and civilian aircraft shot down by surface-to-air missiles.

On Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it would be inappropriate to guess the cause of the plane crash before an investigation is completed, according to Russian state media RIA Novosti. In a statement, Brazilian manufacturer Embraer said that it is keeping a careful eye on the situation and that "we remain fully committed to supporting the relevant authorities." Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was on its way from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Grozny in Chechnya, Russia, when it had to make an emergency landing about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau, according to the airline.

Videos from the crash site showed survivors, who appeared disoriented, leaving the burned plane. All survivors have been taken to hospitals, as confirmed by Kazakh authorities. “The bodies are in poor condition, mostly burnt, all collected," Bozumbayev said. “Now they will be in the morgue, and identification will take place." There is only one survivor whose identity remains unknown, according to Bozumbayev. “She is unconscious, has no documents, and is in the hospital," he added.