Moscow-Baku Tensions Rise: Arrests and Cancellations

Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan are escalating after the Kremlin condemned Azerbaijan's decision to cancel Russian cultural events. The cancellation followed arrests of individuals of Azeri origin in Russia, suspected of serious crimes.

In Yekaterinburg, Russian authorities arrested six individuals with Russian passports, while two suspects were killed. Baku accused Russian police of extrajudicial executions, a claim Moscow denies.

Police in Azerbaijan raided the offices of Sputnik Azerbaijan. The Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian envoy, and parliament withdrew from bilateral talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed regret over these decisions.