Russia Warns Citizens: Think Twice Before Traveling to Azerbaijan

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging its citizens to think carefully before traveling to Azerbaijan. The warning comes as diplomatic relations between the two countries have become increasingly strained in recent weeks, with a series of arrests, accusations, and protests on both sides.

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, made the announcement during a press briefing in Moscow. “Russian citizens who are in Azerbaijan, or are planning a trip to Azerbaijan, should take into account the current situation,” she said. Zakharova added that Russia’s embassy in Baku has already received 11 requests from families who recognized their relatives in video footage released by Azerbaijani media. These individuals, believed to be Russian citizens, appeared with visible bruises, raising concern about their treatment in Azerbaijani custody.

The situation worsened following a series of police raids in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on June 27. During these operations, Russian law enforcement officers reportedly used excessive force while targeting Azerbaijani nationals. Azerbaijan claims that two of its citizens were killed and others seriously injured. In response, Baku summoned Russia’s ambassador to protest what it described as “unfriendly actions.”

Azerbaijani officials say Russia’s explanation of the raids does not match forensic evidence, which reportedly showed signs of severe violence on the bodies of the victims. They also criticized Russian media for portraying Azerbaijanis as part of an “ethnic criminal group,” calling such coverage discriminatory and harmful.

These recent developments are just part of a wider breakdown in relations between the two countries. In addition to the Yekaterinburg incident, Azerbaijan is still awaiting answers about the downing of one of its airplanes in Russian airspace late last year. Baku says Russia has failed to offer a clear explanation or any form of compensation.

Tensions further escalated when Azerbaijani authorities arrested several journalists and staff members from Sputnik Azerbaijan, a media outlet affiliated with the Russian government. Russia criticized these arrests and accused Azerbaijani media of spreading “hysteria.” Zakharova said the journalists had worked in Azerbaijan for years without any complaints, and that their recent detention was not based on any previous legal issues.

Meanwhile, Russia has also expressed concern about reports suggesting that Azerbaijan may be planning to close down Russian-language schools. Although Azerbaijan’s education ministry later denied these claims, Zakharova said Moscow is monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with Azerbaijani officials.

Another source of frustration for Russia is the limited access to its detained citizens in Azerbaijan. Zakharova said that, despite repeated requests, the Russian ambassador has not been allowed to visit them. “We expect that those who want to spoil bilateral relations will refrain from further provocative steps,” she said. “These steps seriously harm interstate relations.”

Despite the tensions, Russia says it still values its relationship with Azerbaijan. Zakharova emphasized that Moscow wants to return to a “higher level” of cooperation and resolve issues through partnership and dialogue. However, she also warned that the recent actions taken by Baku—especially against Russian journalists—may be motivated by reasons beyond legal concerns.

As both countries continue to exchange protests and accusations, Russian citizens are being advised to stay alert. The Foreign Ministry’s travel warning highlights the risks that may come with visiting Azerbaijan at this time, especially for those involved in journalism or who may be targeted due to nationality.

While diplomatic talks between the two presidents are currently not scheduled, officials on both sides have said they hope the situation will improve. For now, the safety of Russian citizens abroad remains a key concern for Moscow, especially as the number of reported incidents continues to grow.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.