Another round of escalation in relations between Azerbaijan and Russia

July 4, 2025

The diplomatic relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia has deteriorated significantly following a series of escalating incidents, beginning with tensions over an AZAL plane crash investigation and dramatically worsening after two Azerbaijani brothers, Huseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov, died following raids in Yekaterinburg on June 27. Forensic examinations revealed the brothers had been severely beaten, contradicting Russian authorities' claims of natural causes, while other detained Azerbaijanis reported torture and abuse. In response, Azerbaijan has taken retaliatory measures including raids on Russian media outlets like Sputnik, detention of Russian citizens, and cancellation of bilateral meetings, while Russia has reportedly targeted Azerbaijani businesspeople and blocked Azerbaijani websites.

Who is affected

Ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Russia (estimated at two million people)
The Safarov brothers (Huseyn and Ziyaddin) who died after detention
At least 50 other Russian citizens of Azerbaijani descent detained in raids
Russian citizens detained in Azerbaijan on various charges
Journalists at Russian state media outlets in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani businesspeople in Russia, including Ahmed Hajiyev, Yusif Khalilov, and Vagif Suleymanov
Family members of detainees on both sides
Russian and Azerbaijani diplomatic personnel

What action is being taken

Azerbaijan is conducting a criminal investigation into the Safarov brothers' deaths
Azerbaijan has raided the offices of Russian media outlet Sputnik and detained seven journalists
Azerbaijan has cancelled all Russian cultural events and suspended high-level bilateral meetings
Azerbaijan is detaining Russian citizens on suspicions of drug trafficking and cybercrime
Russia is detaining and reportedly deporting Azerbaijani citizens
Russia is blocking access to websites registered with the .az domain
Both countries are exchanging diplomatic protests via notes verbales
Russian authorities are targeting Azerbaijani businesspeople operating in Russia

Why it matters

This diplomatic crisis represents a significant breakdown in relations between two neighboring countries with substantial economic and cultural ties. The allegations of torture and ethnic targeting raise serious human rights concerns, particularly for the estimated two million Azerbaijanis living in Russia who may face discrimination or persecution. The retaliatory actions by both governments, including media restrictions and detention of each other's citizens, threaten to isolate communities and damage longstanding bilateral relationships. The situation compounds existing tensions from the December 2023 plane crash investigation, creating a pattern of deteriorating trust that could have lasting regional implications.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices