Siberia Airlines Flight 1812 was a scheduled domestic flight traveling from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Novosibirsk, Russia. On its ill-fated journey, the aircraft, a Tupolev Tu-154, was accidentally struck by a Ukrainian S-200 surface-to-air missile. The missile had been launched as part of military exercises being conducted by the Ukrainian military near the Black Sea. The impact of the missile caused the aircraft to crash into the sea, a calamity that resulted in the tragic loss of all 78 passengers and crew members on board. Among the deceased were predominantly Russian nationals, which amplified the grief in Russia and the scrutiny on Ukraine regarding the incident.

The missile strike occurred under circumstances that highlighted issues of international airspace safety and military operational practices. Investigations into the incident revealed that the missile was fired in the direction of a target located over an area of the Black Sea and it evidently strayed off course, leading to unintended consequences. Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities launched inquiries into the event, leading to debates over military protocols and the need for better communication during active military exercises.

The Russian government subsequently expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident, calling for accountability and changes in operational safety measures. This unfortunate incident stirred diplomatic tensions between Russia and Ukraine, especially since it took place shortly after the heightened international focus on security following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, which shifted global military and security concerns.