Tensions Persist as Azerbaijan Presses Russia on AZAL Investigation

The Azerbaijani government has voiced strong concerns about what it describes as a pattern of unfriendly actions by Russia, Orda.kz reports.

On July 2, Russian Ambassador to Baku Mikhail Yevdokimov was summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov expressed concern over what he called “provocative actions” by Russia, ranging from law enforcement operations to rhetoric referring to “ethnic criminal groups.”

Azerbaijan has objected to language in some Russian media reports describing Azerbaijani nationals as part of “ethnic criminal groups.” Officials in Baku consider such characterizations inflammatory and counterproductive.

Azerbaijan also continues to seek answers regarding the December 25, 2024, crash of an AZAL flight en route from Baku to Grozny, which was reportedly downed during a drone alert over Chechnya.

A document recently circulated in Azerbaijani media — allegedly written by a Russian military officer — describes an order to shoot down an unidentified air target at the time of the incident.

The authenticity of the document has not been officially confirmed, but The Insider believes it may be genuine.

Baku is calling for a transparent investigation, accountability for those responsible, and compensation for the victims’ families. Officials argue that Moscow has not sufficiently addressed the circumstances of the crash.

Tensions have also escalated following a June 27 police operation in Yekaterinburg, during which two Azerbaijani citizens died. Azerbaijani officials have questioned the Russian version of events, citing forensic evidence of physical trauma inconsistent with the official explanation.

Later, Russian citizens were also arrested in Azerbaijan for alleged drug trafficking and cybercrime. Novaya Gazeta has also reported that Russian citizens have been stopped and questioned.

In a separate matter, Russia has raised concerns about the treatment of Sputnik-Azerbaijan. 

Azerbaijani authorities assert that any regulatory actions are being carried out per national law.

The Azerbaijani authorities have warned that continued tensions could harm bilateral relations and emphasized the need for mutual respect and constructive dialogue.

Original Author: Alina Pak