Diplomatic tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan escalated sharply on June 30 after Azerbaijan cancelled all Russian cultural events in protest over the deaths of two Azerbaijani citizens, prompting Moscow to summon Baku’s ambassador over what it called “unfriendly actions.”

Azerbaijan Condemns Deadly Police Raids in Russia

The crisis erupted after Azerbaijani citizens Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov were killed during police raids in Yekaterinburg. Azerbaijani officials described the incident as a “targeted and extrajudicial killing” motivated by ethnic bias. The men’s brother, Sayfaddin Huseynli, alleged they were tortured to death without investigation, describing the raids as “savagery.”

The Azerbaijani Culture Ministry cancelled all Russian-sponsored concerts, exhibitions, and performances, calling recent incidents “systematic” and demanding justice. A planned visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk was also scrapped.

“The government of Azerbaijan does not consider it appropriate under the current circumstances for Overchuk or any other Russian official to visit the country,” state media reported.

Moscow Retaliates Over Journalist Detentions

In a retaliatory move, Russia summoned Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Moscow, accusing Baku of illegally detaining Russian journalists and acting in a manner deemed “unfriendly.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry called for immediate clarification and warned against future “provocations.”

The Kremlin also criticized Azerbaijan’s decision to cancel Russian cultural events, saying it disagreed with such measures taken in response to unrelated criminal investigations into ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated the raids were part of ongoing investigations, targeting individuals “suspected of serious crimes.”

Broader Diplomatic Rift

The fallout adds to months of simmering tension. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev previously declined to attend Russia’s Victory Day parade in May, while Baku has moved closer to Kyiv, welcoming Ukraine’s foreign minister weeks later.

Bilateral relations were already under strain following a December aviation incident, in which an Azerbaijani airliner was reportedly hit by Russian air defenses over Grozny. President Vladimir Putin offered condolences but stopped short of accepting responsibility, further fueling mistrust.

Background and Outlook

Azerbaijan's forceful response reflects growing assertiveness in its foreign policy, particularly amid accusations of ethnic profiling and mistreatment of its diaspora abroad. Moscow’s diplomatic pressure, in turn, signals irritation at losing influence in its southern neighborhood.

With both countries engaging in tit-for-tat actions — from detaining journalists to canceling cultural ties — reconciliation appears distant. While both governments call for investigations, neither has shown willingness to de-escalate.