U.S. "Azer plane shows signs of being shot down by Russian air defenses...Intent to support the investigation"

The White House says there are signs that Russian air defense systems have been mistakenly shot down in connection with the crash of an Azerbaijani plane in Kazakhstan.

White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby said in an online briefing that initial investigations have identified several indications that clearly indicate the plane may have been shot down by Russian air defense systems.

It also said an investigation into the cause of the crash was currently underway and that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan were jointly conducting the investigation, adding that the U.S. also expressed its intention to support the investigation if necessary.

Kirby said President Biden is continuing to keep track of progress and keep up to date, and he wants to make sure that the U.S. communicates to the Azerbaijani government that it is willing to help.