A diplomatic crisis has erupted between Russia and Azerbaijan after police raids in Russia last week led to the deaths of two ethnic Azerbaijanis. Azerbaijan alleges the men were beaten to death, while Moscow attributes one death to heart problems. In response, Baku launched its own investigation.

The situation worsened when Azerbaijan arrested two Russian state journalists and around 15 more Russians, accusing them of drug trafficking and cybercrime. Moscow has criticized these actions, highlighting that it currently has no consular access to its detained citizens.

Men carry wooden boxes containing the coffins of Azerbaijani brothers Huseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov, who died in Russian police custody, at a logistics terminal in Baku, Azerbaijan, June 30, 2025, in this still image from video. Reuters TV/via REUTERS

Strained relations from previous incidents

Relations between the two countries have been tense since late last year, following a tragic airliner crash that killed 38 people. Azerbaijan claims the crash was caused by fire from Russian air defense units. Baku’s investigation team plans to release findings soon.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed concern about unknown forces trying to damage bilateral relations for personal gain. She emphasized the importance of friendship between the two peoples and urged Azerbaijan to restore ties to the strategic cooperation level outlined in official agreements.

The Kremlin stated it is working to negotiate the release of detained Russian journalists, who face charges including fraud and remain in pre-trial detention in Baku. Moscow continues to call for dialogue and a diplomatic solution to ease the crisis.