Key Facts
• Late June: 50 Azerbaijanis detained in Yekaterinburg over a decades-old murder case.
• 2 detainees died, sparking Azerbaijan’s retaliation by detaining Russian journalists.
• Azerbaijan detained over 10 Russians, citing espionage and drug smuggling charges.
• Azerbaijan criticized Russia’s “imperialism” via state media.
• December 2024: Azerbaijan demanded an explanation for a plane downed by Russian forces.
• July 1, 2025: Ukraine’s Zelensky held talks with Azerbaijan’s Aliyev, seeking anti-Russia alignment.
• Russia accused Ukraine of escalating tensions in the region.
Summary
Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan have rapidly deteriorated following the detention of 50 Azerbaijanis in Russia, leading to two deaths. Azerbaijan retaliated by detaining over 10 Russians, including journalists and IT specialists, on charges of espionage and drug smuggling. This diplomatic clash highlights the declining influence of Russia under President Vladimir Putin, exacerbated by its invasion of Ukraine. Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey, has openly criticized Russia’s “imperialism” and remains outside Russian-led alliances. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan, aiming to form a united front against Russia. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of fueling regional tensions, reflecting its growing unease over shifting alliances.
