On July 2, 2025, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Yevdokimov, was summoned to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, Azerbaijani authorities lodged a formal protest over what they described as Russia’s “unfriendly actions” that have undermined the bilateral relationship.
The protest centered on the June 27 police raids in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, during which Russian law enforcement allegedly used excessive force in operations targeting Azerbaijani nationals. The Azerbaijani side claimed that two citizens were killed and several others seriously injured as a result of unlawful conduct by Russian officers. Officials emphasized that Moscow’s explanation of the incident contradicted forensic findings and the evident signs of severe violence on the victims’ bodies.
Azerbaijan further condemned the portrayal of Azerbaijanis in parts of the Russian media as an “ethnic criminal group,” calling such language discriminatory and reflective of ethnic intolerance. It demanded a thorough and objective investigation into the Yekaterinburg incident and insisted that those responsible be held accountable. Azerbaijani authorities rejected suggestions that their concern over the matter constitutes interference in Russia’s internal affairs.
Baku also pushed back against Russia’s objections to actions taken against the Sputnik Azerbaijan office, insisting that all legal measures were conducted in accordance with domestic legislation and are subject to ongoing investigation.
In a broader context, Azerbaijani officials pointed to rising tension in bilateral ties since the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Russian airspace late last year – a tragedy for which they claim Russia has failed to provide transparency, justice, or compensation.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry concluded that a series of hostile remarks by Russian political figures and media outlets over the past several months have harmed the country’s sovereignty, insulted the Azerbaijani people, and further strained relations.
In parallel, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its own warning to Russian nationals regarding travel to Azerbaijan. Speaking at a press briefing, MFA Spokesperson Maria Zakharova advised Russian citizens currently in Azerbaijan – or those planning to visit – to carefully consider the current situation.
She added that Russia’s embassy in Baku is actively working with families of detained Russian citizens, some of whom were seen with visible bruises in recently released footage.
According to Zakharova, the embassy has received 11 appeals from relatives who identified their family members in the videos aired by Azerbaijani media. She emphasized that the Russian diplomatic mission remains in contact with these families and is committed to defending the legitimate rights of Russian citizens through diplomatic channels.
