Azerbaijani transport chief confirms stable freight links with Russia

There are currently no problems affecting cargo transportation between Azerbaijan and Russia, according to Kenan Gurbanov, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan International Road Carriers Association (ABADA).

Speaking to local media, Gurbanov stated that transportation between the two countries continues without disruption, per Caliber.Az.

“Neither side has created obstacles, transport volumes remain stable, and drivers have not encountered any difficulties,” he said. “Therefore, there is no basis for speaking of any serious problems in this sector.”

He also highlighted that more than half of international freight traffic now operates along the Iran-Russia corridor, with both Azerbaijani and Russian carriers actively involved.

While cargo transportation remains unaffected, broader diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Russia experienced significant strains in 2025. Tensions escalated following the accidental downing of an Azerbaijani passenger plane by Russian air defences in December 2024, resulting in 38 fatalities. Azerbaijan has demanded an official acknowledgement from Russia and compensation for the victims' families.

Further exacerbating relations, in June 2025, a police operation in Russia's Yekaterinburg targeted the Azerbaijani community. The crackdown led to the detention of around 50 ethnic Azerbaijanis, with reports of mistreatment and the deaths of two brothers from injuries sustained during the raid. This incident triggered outrage in Azerbaijan and a diplomatic crisis between the two countries, including reciprocal arrests and media restrictions. 

By Tamilla Hasanova