Azerbaijan Summons Russian Ambassador Over Deteriorating Bilateral Relations
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has formally summoned Russian Ambassador Mikhail Yevdokimov to express strong protest over what Baku describes as hostile and unfriendly actions by the Russian side. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov.
The Azerbaijani side raised serious concerns over a June 27 incident in Yekaterinburg, where two Azerbaijani nationals were reportedly killed and several others injured following an operation by Russian security forces. According to Baku, the official Russian narrative contradicts independent forensic findings conducted in Azerbaijan, which revealed signs of physical abuse on the victims.
Baku also condemned the use of discriminatory terms such as “ethnic criminal group” by certain Russian media outlets when referring to Azerbaijanis.
Furthermore, the Azerbaijani side dismissed Russia’s objections regarding a recent law enforcement operation at the Baku office of Sputnik Azerbaijan, calling the criticism unfounded.
The discussion also touched on the December 2023 crash of an AZAL passenger jet in Russian airspace. Baku criticized Russia’s lack of transparency and what it sees as distorted media coverage and official commentary on the incident. Azerbaijan is demanding a full, impartial investigation, accountability for those responsible, and compensation for the victims.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that recent statements by Russian politicians and media figures regarding Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity have negatively impacted bilateral relations. Azerbaijan urged Russia to take concrete steps to reduce tensions and restore normal diplomatic engagement.
