In June 2025, diplomatic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan deteriorated sharply following controversial arrests in Yekaterinburg. Russian special services detained approximately 50 individuals of Azerbaijani origin, suspecting their involvement in murders and attacks from 2001-2011. Two men died during the arrests, sparking outrage in Baku.
In response, Azerbaijan canceled all planned cultural events with Russia and conducted a review of the Russian media agency Sputnik's office in Baku. The Kremlin reacted with reserve, with President's Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressing regret over Baku's decision, emphasizing that the situation in Yekaterinburg should not have led to such a reaction. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that although the casualties and detainees were ethnic Azerbaijanis, they held Russian passports.
This diplomatic crisis is another test for relations between the two countries since the Azerbaijani plane crash at the end of 2024. Azerbaijan is also seeking to strengthen its international position, including applying for BRICS membership. Azerbaijan is trying to balance cooperation with the West and maintaining strategic ties with Moscow.