Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Azerbaijan Confronts Russia Over Brothers' Deaths in Custody

The tragic deaths of two Azerbaijani brothers in Russian custody have exposed a growing diplomatic rift between Azerbaijan and Russia, signaling a shift in power dynamics in the South Caucasus. The brothers, Ziyaddin and Guseyn Safarov, reportedly showed signs of trauma, leading Azerbaijani officials to accuse Russian authorities of torture and extrajudicial killings. In the wake of their deaths, Azerbaijan has intensified its criticism of Russia, with pro-government media blaming President Vladimir Putin for the violence. The conflict escalates in the context of already strained relations between the two countries. Last December, an Azerbaijani Airlines flight was shot down, a tragic event attributed to a Russian anti-aircraft missile mistakenly fired. This latest incident, which unfolded during a police operation in Yekaterinburg, has seen Baku ground a planned visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and boycott shows featuring Russian artists. Following the deaths of the Safarov brothers, Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General opened a criminal investigation into the police's actions, which officials claim resulted in their brutal treatment that led to death by post-traumatic shock. In contrast, Russian law enforcement reports indicate one brother suffered a heart attack, and the second's cause of death remains unverified. Tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia are part of a larger historical context. Since gaining independence following the Soviet Union's dissolution in 1991, Azerbaijan has generally distanced itself from Russia, instead forging ties with the West to exploit its vast oil and gas reserves. Relations were particularly strained when Russia supported Armenia during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. However, President Ilham Aliyev's administration managed to cultivate a cooperative relationship with Putin after he took office in 2003, which included a Russian retreat during Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 conflict against Armenia. Despite their strategic collaboration, including agreements on energy and transport routes, Azerbaijan has taken a more assertive stance in the region, particularly in light of Russia's diminishing influence following its invasion of Ukraine. Azerbaijan's declaration of the Russian-held territories in Ukraine as 'occupied', along with humanitarian assistance dispatched to Kyiv, exemplifies its independent approach. Zaur Shiriyev from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center explains that Azerbaijan's recent actions reflect a determination not to capitulate to Russian pressures. Baku is keenly aware of the potential resurgence of pro-Russian elements in its neighboring Armenia, thwarting reconciliatory efforts regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. By publicly challenging Moscow, Azerbaijan signals to the region and the world that it will safeguard its interests and no longer tolerate passive acceptance of Russian actions. This dispute, marked by accusations of espionage and police violence, encapsulates a pivotal moment for Azerbaijan as it positions itself as a regional power. As the diplomatic confrontation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these tensions will reshape relations in the South Caucasus and influence broader geopolitical dynamics. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2