What is ‘Adequate Compensation’? The Difficult Question After the Crash

President Vladimir Putin has promised “adequate compensation” for the 38 victims of the 2024 Azerbaijan plane crash, but this raises a difficult question: What can possibly be considered adequate for the loss of human life? The answer will be a critical point in any future reconciliation.
After admitting that Russian missiles downed the passenger jet, Putin’s offer of compensation was a key part of his statement. It is a standard diplomatic gesture in such tragedies, but the process of determining a figure is fraught with emotional and political challenges.
For the families of the victims, no amount of money can replace their loved ones. The compensation will be seen as a symbol of the value Russia places on the lives its military mistakenly took. A figure deemed too low could be interpreted as an insult, exacerbating the diplomatic crisis.
The negotiations over this compensation will be a complex process, involving international law, national pride, and the deep personal grief of the families. Azerbaijan’s government will be under pressure to secure a settlement that honors the memory of its citizens.
Ultimately, while the legal review promised by Putin addresses accountability, the compensation addresses the human cost. How Russia handles this sensitive issue will be just as important as the investigation itself in determining the future of its relationship with Azerbaijan.