The aircraft was eventually stabilised, but one man was injured in the struggle. His condition was reported to be critical, and he is now believed to among those released. Hijackers' demands Russian President Vladimir Putin has set up a special crisis team headed by the deputy director of the security services to monitor developments. People look for their relatives on the plane's passenger lists Most of the passengers were reported to be Russians, along with between 55 and 60 Turkish nationals. The hijackers have issued a list of demands which, according to the head of Vnukovo Airlines, Alexander Klimov, include an end to Russia's military campaign in Chechnya.
Some reports suggest the men want permission to fly on to Afghanistan.
A Russian foreign ministry spokesman said Moscow was calling on the Saudi Government to ensure the safety of the hijacked aircraft and for the hijackers to be handed over. The holy city of Medina Second holiest place in the Muslim world after Mecca Closed to all non-Muslims Site of the Prophet Mohammed's Mosque which contains his tomb Moscow has often accused Turkey of supporting the rebels in the breakaway republic of Chechnya, saying it provides financial and material aid. The overwhelming majority of Turks and Chechens are Muslims and more than 20,000 Chechens live in Turkey. In December 1999, Turkey and Russia signed an agreement to combat terrorism after Turkey reportedly promised to stop all support of the Chechens. This is the fifth hijacking from a Turkish airport since 1998.