Putin to send delegation to Baku to settle relations “Moscow Doesn’t Need Tensions with Azerbaijan” (C)

An unofficial delegation is currently being formed in Moscow, which is expected to travel to Baku next week with the goal of resolving the escalating disagreements between Russia and Azerbaijan, the Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU reports, citing a well-informed source.

“Currently, a delegation is being formed in Moscow that will unofficially travel to Baku next week in an attempt to informally settle the conflict between the two countries. A message will be personally delivered from Putin, and there may be an offer for an ‘exchange’ of detainees,” the report states.

According to VChK-OGPU, the unofficial delegation may be headed by Alexander Kurenkov, former personal aide to Putin and current Russian Minister for Emergency Situations, who has established strong personal relations with members of the Azerbaijani government.

“The deterioration of relations with Azerbaijan is not part of the Kremlin’s plans at the moment. Moscow finds this disadvantageous now, and it cannot afford to have conflicts on multiple fronts and lose a strategic partner in such an important region,” the source added.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) raids in Yekaterinburg on June 27, 2025, targeting ethnic Azerbaijanis, have become a flashpoint in the escalating diplomatic crisis between Russia and Azerbaijan. These raids, which resulted in the deaths of two Azerbaijani brothers and the detention of numerous others, have been widely condemned by Azerbaijan as ethnically motivated violence

The FSB raid on the residences of the Azerbaijani Safarov family, resulting in the deaths of  Huseyn Safarov (an Azerbaijani citizen) and Ziyaddin Safarov (a Russian citizen), severe injuries to several others, and the detention of nine individuals, most of whom were Russian citizens of Azerbaijani origin.

The early morning raid involved FSB officers and the Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR). The Safarov family, originally from Aghdam, Azerbaijan, and engaged in the restaurant business (owning the “Kaspi” restaurant), was targeted. The operation was described as violent, with reports of beatings, torture with electric shocks, and degrading treatment, such as forcing detainees to “eat mud” in transport vehicles.

Nine individuals, primarily from the Safarov family, were detained, with some hospitalised due to serious injuries (e.g., Akif, Ayaz, Kamal, and Mazahir Safarovs). Over 50 Azerbaijanis were reportedly detained in total, though exact numbers vary.

By Khagan Isayev