No:288/25, Press release on the summoning of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
On 2 July, 2025, Mikhail Yevdokimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Azerbaijan, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting with Araz Azimov, Deputy Foreign Minister, a protest was delivered to the Russian side in response to unfriendly actions and steps that have harmed relations between the two countries.
Serious concern was once again expressed regarding the unlawful conduct of Russian law enforcement authorities during raids carried out on 27 June in the city of Yekaterinburg targeting residences of Azerbaijanis and resulting in the death of two compatriots and serious injuries to some others. It was pointed out that Russian side’s official explanation of the incident contradicts the signs of severe violence on the deceased compatriots, as well as the findings of forensic reports. Furthermore, the use of ethnically charged language in Russian media coverage of the incident—such as referring to Azerbaijanis as an "ethnic criminal group"—was deemed unacceptable.
It was reiterated that a thorough and objective investigation into the violations and punishment of the perpetrators is expected from Russian side. It was noted that framing Azerbaijan’s position on that matter as interference in Russia’s internal affairs is unfounded.
With regard to the Russian side’s objections concerning the measures taken in relation to the “Sputnik-Azerbaijan” office by Azerbaijan were stated to be baseless. It was noted that the measures in relation to “Sputnik-Azerbaijan” were taken in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and investigative processes are ongoing.
Since the end of last year, following Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft being shot down in Russian airspace, the failure to take necessary measures and attempts to distort the real situation, as well as the disinformation campaign against Azerbaijan through number of officials and media representatives in the Russian media, were deemed unacceptable.
It was emphasized that our country expects a comprehensive and transparent investigation by Russian side into this tragedy, the identification and prosecution of those responsible, provision of compensation to the victims are also expected and that these steps are of great importance to eliminate negative atmosphere in bilateral relations.
It was also noted that statements and remarks by Russian public figures and media over last 4-5 months regarding Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the Azerbaijani people are among the factors negatively affecting bilateral relations.
Thus, the Ambassador was informed that above-mentioned actions of the Russian Federation contradict the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the two countries, and this causes additional tension, and negatively impact bilateral relations. Russian side was called upon to take appropriate measures to eliminate tension and the negative atmosphere in bilateral relations between our countries.