Amid growing tensions, Azerbaijan has accused Russia of mistreatment following the deaths of two ethnic Azerbaijani brothers in custody, raising fears of a further decline in Moscow’s influence in the region.
Escalating Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan Following Custody Deaths

Escalating Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan Following Custody Deaths
The diplomatic relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan fractures over the deaths of two ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russian custody, highlighting a significant shift in alliances.
Tensions have surged dramatically between Russia and Azerbaijan in recent days after the tragic deaths of two ethnic Azerbaijani brothers, Huseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov, in Russian custody. This incident has highlighted a deeper diplomatic crisis, jeopardizing Moscow's long-standing influence in the South Caucasus region.
The brothers were detained last week as part of an investigation into a string of mafia-style murders in Yekaterinburg that spanned over the last 25 years. Reports indicate that one of the brothers succumbed to heart failure, while the circumstances surrounding the other’s death remain under investigation by Russian authorities. This has led to further complications as Russian officials recently charged six other ethnic Azerbaijanis, all citizens of Russia, with murder in connection to the same inquiry.
Baku's response has been swift and accusatory, with the Azerbaijani prosecutor’s office asserting that the brothers were victims of “torture and murder with extreme cruelty.” This has prompted Azerbaijan to initiate its own investigation into the matter. Pro-government outlets have further claimed that Moscow is undertaking a campaign against ethnic minorities to bolster totalitarian rule and suppress dissent.
This incident underscores a notable deterioration in relations between the two neighboring states, which not long ago were allies. In February 2022, just prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moscow and Baku even formalized a "declaration on allied interaction." However, the recent escalation suggests that Azerbaijan may be pursuing a more independent course, reflecting a diminishing Russian influence that has characterized its relations with former Soviet states in recent years.