Azerbaijan skips CIS Interior Ministers meeting amid tensions with Russia

Representatives from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan gathered for the meeting.

During the session, the parties discussed a range of “current issues,” including combating illegal migration, cooperation in road safety, development of forensic expertise, and “measures to neutralize destructive forces that could destabilize the socio-political situation in CIS countries.”

Azerbaijan-Russia conflict
Azerbaijan’s absence from the meeting highlighted ongoing tensions with Russia. The situation escalated after a December 2024 incident in which Russian air defense forces shot down a passenger plane operated by Azerbaijani airline AZAL.

The conflict intensified this summer: in July, several members of the Azerbaijani diaspora were arrested in Russia, and in August, Russian forces carried out airstrikes on several Azerbaijani-owned enterprises located in Ukraine.

On Aug. 11, Calliber.Az reported that Azerbaijan may consider lifting the ban on supplying weapons from its arsenals to Ukraine. The matter will be reviewed if Russia continues hostile actions against Baku’s interests.