Azerbaijan accuses Russia of extrajudicial killings amid rising tensions

Azerbaijan and Russia are currently facing heightened tensions due to a series of incidents that have strained their historically strong relationship. A recent escalation occurred following the deaths of several ethnic Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, Russia, where police reportedly rounded them up in relation to old murder investigations. The Azeri authorities labeled these actions as extrajudicial killings, leading to widespread outrage in Azerbaijan. This incident is compounded by a previous tragedy involving an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet that crashed in December 2024 en route from Baku to Grozny, Chechnya. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, expressed condolences to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev but did not accept any responsibility for the crash, further exacerbating tensions. In the aftermath of the police raids, relations further deteriorated when Azerbaijan summoned the Russian ambassador, demanding a thorough investigation, accountability, and compensation for the victims' families, citing these as essential steps for improving bilateral relations. This tense atmosphere is intensified by Azerbaijan’s increasing assertiveness on the international stage, especially after its military success in reclaiming control over the Karabakh region from Armenia in September 2023. Azerbaijan's leadership is leveraging its newfound confidence, aligning closer with Western entities, while also rekindling discussions with Ukraine amid Russia's protracted conflict. The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has deep historical roots that have caused consistent friction in the region, particularly after separatist forces gained control over Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region in the early 1990s. Russia's involvement in prior conflicts has always carried a bias favoring Armenia, as it provided military support and claimed neutrality, while simultaneously hosting a military base in Armenia. This complicated history magnifies the current rift as Azerbaijan asserts itself decisively in the geopolitical landscape. As tensions rise, both nations are at a crossroads, where diplomatic confrontations could entail serious ramifications. The mutual distrust has escalated to the point where both parties are now wary of each other's intentions. Azerbaijan’s recent diplomatic maneuvers, such as discussing tensions with Ukraine, signal its willingness to pivot away from reliance on Russia. Conversely, Russia's inability to manage its regional influence effectively is drawing concerns about its future strategy in the South Caucasus. With ongoing geopolitical shifts and increased engagement from outside powers, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia is on a precarious path, forcing both nations to reconsider their alliances and strategies moving forward.