What's happened
Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan have escalated following the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines jet, which Baku blames on Moscow. The situation worsened with the deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia during police actions, amid growing ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey and a decline in Russian influence in the region.
What's behind the headline?
Key Factors Behind the Tensions
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Aviation Incident: The crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines jet in December 2024, reportedly due to Russian air defense fire, has been a significant flashpoint. President Aliyev's accusation against Moscow has fueled public outrage.
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Police Actions: Recent police operations in Russia targeting ethnic Azerbaijanis, resulting in deaths and injuries, have exacerbated tensions. Azerbaijan's government has condemned these actions as extrajudicial killings.
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Geopolitical Shifts: Azerbaijan's strengthening ties with Turkey and a perceived decline in Russian influence in the South Caucasus are reshaping regional dynamics. This shift is evident as Azerbaijan asserts itself more aggressively in its foreign relations.
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Historical Context: The long-standing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has historically strained relations. Azerbaijan's recent military successes have emboldened its leadership, leading to a more confrontational stance towards Russia.
Future Implications
The ongoing tensions could lead to further diplomatic rifts, impacting trade and cultural exchanges. Azerbaijan's actions may also encourage other former Soviet states to reassess their relationships with Russia, potentially leading to a broader geopolitical realignment in the region.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the immediate flashpoints, including the deaths of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia and the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines jet, emphasizing the historical context of the relationship between the two nations. AP News corroborates these events, detailing the police actions in Russia and the subsequent diplomatic fallout, while The Moscow Times provides insight into the implications of these tensions, noting the potential for worsening relations. Each source underscores the complexity of the situation, with The Independent noting Azerbaijan's deepening ties with Turkey as a factor in the strained relationship. The coverage collectively illustrates a significant shift in regional dynamics, with Azerbaijan taking a more assertive stance against Russia.
How we got here
The relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan has deteriorated since December 2024, when an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed, killing 38 people. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of responsibility, coinciding with rising tensions due to police actions against ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia.
Go deeper
- What led to the Azerbaijan Airlines crash?
- How has Azerbaijan's relationship with Turkey changed?
- What are the implications for ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia?
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