Zelenskyy calls Azerbaijan’s Aliyev in solidarity after Russia’s crackdown

According to Zelenskyy’s Telegram post, Russia is openly mocking Azerbaijani citizens and threatening the country.

“I expressed our condolences to Azerbaijan in connection with the killing of the Safarov brothers on Russian territory,” the Ukrainian president said.

“I am confident that all the facts will become clear and that justice is needed. President Aliyev and I share the same view: every person’s life and dignity must be protected.” 

The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations, including energy and humanitarian cooperation. They agreed to hold a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and to develop ties between the two governments.

On June 28, Russian media outlets reported that more than 50 Azerbaijani nationals had been detained by Russian security forces the previous day, June 27. Some were later released after questioning. The arrests were reportedly tied to a murder case dating back to 2001. Two suspects were reported to have died.

On June 29, Russian officials said the suspects were placed in pretrial detention and charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder allegedly committed in 2001, 2010, and 2011.

That same day, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Baku, Pyotr Volkov.

The ministry stressed that Baku expects a full investigation from Moscow and the prompt prosecution of those responsible.

Earlier on July 1, reports surfaced that Azerbaijani police had raided the Sputnik (RT-affiliated propaganda outlet) Azerbaijan office, detaining two FSB agents during the search.