Azerbaijan-Russia Relations Plummet After Two Azerbaijani Deaths in Russian Custody

Baku – Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia have reached an unprecedented low following the deaths of two Azerbaijani nationals in Russian custody, prompting strong condemnation from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The incident, which occurred during a Russian special forces raid in Yekaterinburg in late June, has ignited a severe diplomatic crisis between the two nations. President Aliyev publicly asserted, > "We are not responsible for the deterioration of relations. We respond constructively and lawfully. We will never tolerate any signs or manifestations of aggression or disrespect toward us. These unfounded attacks on Azerbaijanis in Russia - two people were tortured and killed. And the information released claimed they died of a heart attack. Even if they committed a crime 20 years ago, they are still human beings. You cannot treat us this way."

The deaths of Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov in Yekaterinburg, who were reportedly targeted in connection with a past murder case, have been met with allegations of torture and inhumane treatment by Baku. While Russian authorities claimed one death was due to a heart attack, Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General has launched a criminal investigation, accusing Russian police of deliberate killing and torture. This incident follows a pattern of escalating tensions that began earlier in the year.

A significant contributing factor to the strained relationship was the December 2024 crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, which Azerbaijan alleges was struck by a Russian air-defense system. President Aliyev had previously criticized Moscow for an alleged cover-up, demanding responsibility and compensation for the victims, a request that remains unfulfilled. This unresolved issue has fostered deep distrust in Baku regarding Russia's willingness to engage on equal terms.

In a series of retaliatory measures, Azerbaijan has canceled planned Russian cultural events and a high-level bilateral visit. Furthermore, Azerbaijani authorities raided the Baku office of the Russian state media outlet Sputnik, detaining several staff members on charges of illegal financing and fraud. These actions underscore Azerbaijan's firm stance against perceived disrespect and aggression from Moscow.

The current diplomatic friction reflects Azerbaijan's increasing assertiveness on the regional stage, particularly following its military successes in Nagorno-Karabakh, and Russia's diminished influence due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Azerbaijan, increasingly aligning with Turkey and pursuing closer ties with the European Union as an energy partner, appears determined to renegotiate its relationship with its northern neighbor. The future trajectory of Azerbaijan-Russia relations remains uncertain as Baku pushes for a more symmetrical partnership.