Moscow: The Kremlin announced that Azerbaijan and Russia have entered a 'difficult period' in their bilateral relations. This development comes after Azerbaijan declared its intention to "apply to international justice" over an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash in Kazakhstan last year that resulted in the deaths of 38 passengers.
According to Anadolu Agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the situation during a press briefing, acknowledging that such challenging periods can arise between countries. Peskov expressed hope that this phase would pass, emphasizing the mutual benefits and solid foundation of cooperation between the two nations.
Last month, Azerbaijan responded to the deaths of its citizens during a police raid in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg by canceling cultural events planned in Russia. The Azerbaijani government cited 'targeted and extrajudicial killings and acts of violence against Azerbaijanis based on their ethnicity' as the reason for their decision.
Peskov reassured that law-abiding Azerbaijani citizens in Russia are respected, while those violating laws face prosecution. He also confirmed ongoing investigations in Moscow regarding the December plane crash and acknowledged Baku's right to pursue legal action in international courts.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev recently stated that Baku would apply to international justice concerning the plane crash, adding that Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General's Office consistently attempts to contact its Moscow counterparts, who maintain that the investigation is ongoing.
In other developments, the Kremlin hinted at a possible meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Beijing, during events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Kremlin announced last month that Putin would attend the Shanghai Security Organization summit in Tianjin and hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On the topic of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, Peskov confirmed Moscow's willingness to engage in further negotiations, with presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky leading the Russian delegation. The Kremlin spokesman noted the significant diplomatic work ahead, as the memoranda exchanged by both sides remain opposed. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a new round of talks, with Russian state media confirming the development.