Tensions Escalate Between Azerbaijan and Russia: Russians Complain About Detentions and Hostile Treatment in Baku
Amid ongoing diplomatic conflicts between Azerbaijan and Russia, the situation continues to worsen, accompanied by mutual accusations and escalating tensions. Russian citizens residing in Azerbaijan have increasingly reported being detained, subjected to document checks, and faced harsh treatment by local law enforcement agencies. According to RTVI, Russian tourists and visitors to Baku are experiencing unwarranted and often unjustified searches, causing frustration and concern among the Russian community in the country. This phenomenon reflects a mirror image of Azerbaijan's behavior toward Russian citizens, which began after late June when approximately 50 Azerbaijanis with Russian passports were detained in Yekaterinburg. The Russian authorities claim these detentions were related to suspicions of involvement in organized crime, including murders dating back to 2001, 2010, and 2011, allegedly committed by a criminal group with ties to Azerbaijan. However, reports of extreme brutality, beatings, and torture during the apprehensions have sparked outrage beyond Russia's borders. Two individuals died after being beaten, even though the Russian side insists their deaths resulted from 'heart failure.' Azerbaijan's official forensic experts noted significant hematomas and bruises, concluding that the deaths were caused by brutal beatings. The country's Prosecutor General's Office has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. As of July 1, five suspects, including Bakir, Makhahir, Akiq, Aiz Safarov, and Akhliman Ganjaliyev, were charged; two remain in custody until July 19. Russian investigators reported that one suspect provided detailed testimony about the crimes and identified accomplices, adding fuel to the diplomatic fire. On July 2, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador Mikhail Yevdokimov to lodge a formal protest against what Baku called 'unfriendly actions' by Moscow. The ministry accused Russia of actions damaging bilateral relations and reiterated concerns over the deaths of two compatriots. Additionally, Azerbaijan dismissed Moscow’s claims about the 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' office as unfounded, emphasizing that the legal measures taken were within national law and investigations are ongoing. Baku further denounced what it called Russia’s 'disinformation campaign,' especially concerning alleged incidents involving Azerbaijan Airlines, which Azerbaijan decried as fictitious and manipulated for discrediting purposes. Moscow, in turn, accused Ukraine of fomenting trouble—blaming Ukraine's President Zelensky for attempts to escalate regional tensions. The crisis intensified after Russia’s air defense shot down a plane carrying Azerbaijani nationals; subsequent deteriorations have moved relations from heated rhetoric toward open conflict. Azerbaijani President Aliyev demanded an apology from Russian President Putin, but instead, Baku faced arrogance and hostility from Moscow. The incident has profoundly affected national pride, the Azerbaijan-Russia relationship, and regional geopolitics. Experts warn that Russia actively refuses to acknowledge its misconduct while attempting to villainize Azerbaijan, seeking to justify its declining influence in the Caucasus—the loss of which poses significant geopolitical risks.