New conflicts are intensifying in relations with Russia

In recent days, new tensions have emerged in the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

In previous years, cooperation and trade relations between the two countries were strong, but recent events have led to a sharp deterioration in their relations. For a long time, Russia has tried to exert influence on Azerbaijan not only economically but also politically.

However, during a large-scale raid recently conducted in Yekaterinburg, more than 50 Azerbaijani citizens were detained, further complicating relations between the two countries. In this process, two people were killed, and several others were seriously injured.

Azerbaijani officials are demanding that the Russian government conduct a full investigation into this incident, hold those responsible accountable, and compensate the victims' families. Additionally, the detention of two individuals during a raid at the "Sputnik Azerbaijan" office has further strained relations.

The Azerbaijani side attempted to label the detainees as agents of Russian special services, while Russia, in turn, detained individuals belonging to the Azerbaijani diaspora. Diplomatic negotiations and disputes are ongoing.

Russian officials referred to Baku's criticisms as a "demarche." Analysts believe that Azerbaijan is now striving to break free from Moscow's influence and strengthen its position as an independent and powerful state on the international stage.

One of the factors that has heightened tensions is the aviation accident that occurred near the city of Aktobe in Kazakhstan in December 2024. An Embraer 190 aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines crashed, resulting in the deaths of many passengers and crew members.

Following this incident, reports circulated that the aircraft was shot down by the Russian air defense system. This event negatively impacted relations between the two countries, leading even Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to cancel his planned visit to Russia.

Economically, Russia is one of Azerbaijan's largest trading partners. In 2024, the mutual trade turnover amounted to $4.8 billion.

While Russia exported $3.6 billion worth of goods to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan imported $1.2 billion worth of goods from Russia. Russia is Azerbaijan's most important partner after Italy and Turkey, but Azerbaijan holds only a 0.6 percent share in the Russian economy.

Experts say that if Russia closes its markets, Azerbaijan will be forced to seek new export routes, which could lead to economic difficulties and increased unemployment. At the same time, while Russia is under sanctions, Azerbaijan utilizes important transit routes for delivering oil and gas to Europe, as well as for supplying technical and industrial products.

The "North-South" international transport corridor also aligns the interests of both countries. From a geopolitical perspective, Azerbaijan has increased its independence and freedom in foreign policy in recent years.

As representatives of international analytical centers have noted, Baku is now acting not as a small state subordinate to Moscow, but as a strong state pursuing its independent policy. Azerbaijan openly criticizes Moscow and is ready to take necessary measures.

Analysts believe that for Russia, relations with Azerbaijan are important not only in terms of trade but also politically, militarily, and transit-wise. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is boldly stepping towards geopolitical freedom while seeking new markets and partnerships.

At the same time, Moscow is trying to take various measures to maintain its influence, but independent states are striving to strengthen their policies. According to international analysts, although Baku and