Key Facts
• June 27, 2025: Russian authorities detained over 50 Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg.
• Two Azerbaijani nationals died during the operation, sparking backlash.
• June 28, 2025: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest with Russia.
• Azerbaijan canceled all cultural events related to Russia.
• June 30, 2025: Two Russian journalists were detained in Baku by Azerbaijani authorities.
• Azerbaijan claims a December 2024 plane crash killing 38 was caused by Russian military error.
• President Aliyev skipped Russia’s WWII victory event in May 2025, signaling strained ties.
Summary
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia have escalated following the deaths of two Azerbaijani nationals during a Russian criminal investigation in Yekaterinburg. Azerbaijan responded with a formal protest, the cancellation of Russian cultural events, and the detention of two Russian journalists in Baku. Relations between the two nations, traditionally friendly, have been deteriorating since Azerbaijan accused Russia of causing a December 2024 plane crash that killed 38 people. President Aliyev’s absence from a major Russian event in May 2025 further highlighted the growing rift.
