Tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia have escalated dramatically following the deaths of two ethnic Azerbaijanis during a Russian police raid in Yekaterinburg last week. The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Baku, leading to a series of retaliatory actions, including the arrest of three Russian journalists—two accused of espionage—and the cancellation of all cultural events involving Russia. Azerbaijani officials have launched a criminal investigation, directly accusing Russian law enforcement of "torture and murder with extreme cruelty," marking a significant deterioration in bilateral ties.
According to OC Media, Azerbaijani outlets like Caliber and APA have been vocal, framing the Yekaterinburg events as part of a long history of Russian chauvinism and ethnic discrimination, dating back to the tsarist era and extending to modern policies. Caliber's article linked the raid to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, describing it as "merely the tip of the iceberg" of imperialist aggression. APA echoed this, calling Russia's actions a state policy of targeting non-Russian peoples. Analysts, including Kazakh activist Arman Shoraev in Azeri media, argued that Moscow is struggling with the growing independence of former Soviet states, such as Azerbaijan, which reclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. The coverage also linked the incident to the unresolved Azerbaijan Airlines crash in December 2024, which was blamed on Russia, fueling Baku's defiant stance.
Russia's response has been swift and sharp. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled the journalist detentions "unlawful and hostile," while Rossiya Segodnya head Dmitry Kiselyov compared the treatment to that of terrorists. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov adopted a more conciliatory tone, hoping for a diplomatic resolution, but criticized Baku's "emotional reaction." Russian media and pro-Kremlin social accounts have downplayed the Yekaterinburg events and spread conspiracy theories, alleging Western involvement in stirring conflict, including unproven claims of Azerbaijan aiding Israeli strikes on Iran.
This escalating rhetoric risks broader instability in the Caucasus, potentially affecting energy deals and regional alliances. As both nations dig in, diplomatic efforts may be the only path to de-escalation, but current hostilities suggest a challenging road ahead.
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