Russia mourns US passenger plane accident... "Diplomatic communication underway"

Russia expressed condolences over the collision accident between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Washington DC, USA, and stated on the 31st (local time) that it is diplomatically communicating with the United States regarding the incident.

Search operation for the passenger plane crash in Washington DC, USA. Photo by Yonhap News Agency and Reuters

According to TASS news agency, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said at a briefing that day, "We extend our condolences to the bereaved families and all Americans for the fatal plane crash on the 29th in US airspace, where a passenger plane and a helicopter collided, resulting in 67 deaths."

Spokesperson Zakharova revealed that three Russian nationals were on board the passenger plane involved in the accident: Evgenia Shushkova and Vadim Naumov, a couple who are former Russian figure skating champions, and former figure skater Ina Volyanskaya, who works as a coach in the United States. She also said that the identity of another person, who may have held a Russian passport, is being verified.

She added, "Our embassy is communicating with the US State Department on all matters," and "Although there has been no substantive response to the Russian embassy's inquiries, we have received general replies."

Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, also stated at a briefing, "When an incident involving citizens of another country occurs in any nation, it is necessary to notify that country through diplomatic channels," and "Currently, diplomatic channels related to this matter are operational."

He continued, "Unfortunately, a tragedy involving Russian victims has indeed occurred, and our diplomats are discussing the procedures for the handover of the bodies with the US side."

On the 29th, an American Airlines passenger plane attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Airport near Washington DC collided with an Army helicopter training nearby. All 67 people on board both aircraft died in the accident.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.