Russia Denied Consular Access to Dozens of Detainees in Azerbaijan Amid Rising Tensions

Russia has stated that it has not been granted consular access to Russian citizens recently detained in Azerbaijan, including journalists and others accused of various crimes. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that Russian diplomats and the embassy's consular staff have requested access but have so far been denied. The detentions and lack of consular access have led to heightened tensions between Moscow and Baku, with Russia condemning the arrests as unlawful and demanding the immediate release of its nationals. Zakharova also called on Azerbaijan to stop actions that damage bilateral relations and to work in partnership to resolve issues. The diplomatic strain follows earlier incidents, including a police raid in Russia targeting individuals of Azerbaijani descent, which caused outrage in Azerbaijan. Russia urged a return to the previously higher level of strategic cooperation between the two countries.