The Kremlin said Tuesday it expects Azerbaijan to release Russian journalists detained on fraud allegations, as a broader diplomatic row intensifies between the two neighbors over deaths and detentions.

Two Russian journalists were detained in Azerbaijan on Monday, accused of fraud. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested the detentions may be retaliatory, calling them “an emotional reaction” to recent developments. However, he emphasized that the issue could be resolved through direct communication, saying, “All concerns can be resolved via dialogue.”

Russian officials stopped short of naming the journalists or detailing the allegations, but the arrests are widely viewed as linked to the deaths of two Azerbaijani brothers in Russian custody last week — an incident that has triggered outrage in Baku.

Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Custodial Killings

On the same day, Azerbaijani prosecutors announced a criminal investigation into the alleged murder of Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov, Azerbaijani citizens who were detained during police raids in Yekaterinburg. Authorities claim the brothers were “beaten to death” in Russian custody and have labeled the case as extrajudicial killing.

The incident prompted Azerbaijan to cancel all Russian cultural events in protest and suspend a planned diplomatic visit from Russian Deputy PM Alexey Overchuk. Baku's swift and sweeping actions underscored the seriousness of the crisis.

Calls for De-Escalation Amid Uncertainty

While Peskov attempted to downplay the political escalation, describing Azerbaijan’s response as driven by emotion, the Kremlin made clear that Russia expects its detained nationals to be released promptly. "We hope this issue will be resolved soon and that it won’t affect long-term ties," one Russian official said off-record.

Tensions between Moscow and Baku had already been simmering due to Azerbaijan’s growing ties with Ukraine, Aliyev’s absence from recent Moscow-led summits, and previous incidents involving military aircraft.

Outlook: Fragile Relations Under Stress

With both sides initiating criminal investigations and detentions, the crisis risks widening. Analysts warn the diplomatic strain could impact broader regional cooperation on energy, transport, and military matters — especially in the South Caucasus.

Russia’s messaging remains measured for now, but observers expect tougher rhetoric or countermeasures if the situation deteriorates. For now, both capitals seem locked in a tit-for-tat spiral — one that shows no sign of ending soon.