Russia seeks diplomatic solution to "Russian House" closure in Baku

Russia hopes for a positive resolution to the situation regarding the registration of the Russian Cultural Center, known as the "Russian House," in Baku, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. 

Zakharova addressed the ongoing matter speaking at a briefing on February 6, Caliber.Az reports 

"We have received official notification from Azerbaijan about the termination of the Russian House's activities. In response, Russia has expressed its readiness to take the necessary steps to complete the registration process in accordance with Azerbaijani law."

Zakharova added, “We have repeatedly proposed discussing this matter through diplomatic channels and have sent written requests to the Azerbaijani side for consultations. As such, we expect the issue to be resolved positively.”

Earlier today, February 6, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada commented on the situation, stating that the Russian House in Azerbaijan has been in violation of the country’s legislation. "The activities of such organizations within the Republic of Azerbaijan are regulated by our national laws, the principle of reciprocity, and the terms of bilateral agreements," Hajizada explained.

He further clarified, "We informed the Russian side that the Russian Information and Cultural Center, also known as the 'Russian House,' had not been registered as a legal entity and was in significant violation of Azerbaijani law. As a result, a note verbale was sent to Russia on February 3, 2025, notifying them of the termination of the 'Russian House' activities."

According to Hajizada, the Azerbaijani side expects Russia to take appropriate action following the decision to close the center.

Yevgeny Primakov, the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, confirmed in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV that the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry had indeed requested the closure of the “Russian House” in Baku. Primakov explained, “The Russian Information and Cultural Center, popularly known as the ‘Russian House,’ has been instructed to register as a legal entity in accordance with local law.”

Primakov also revealed that the "Russian House" in Baku had been notified that it must vacate its premises within a month and a half, as the property owner plans to sell the building urgently.

This development follows the diplomatic communication confirming Azerbaijan's official notification to Russia about terminating Rossotrudnichestvo's activities in the country, a move similar to actions previously taken against organizations like USAID.

Rossotrudnichestvo, which has long been seen as a key instrument of Russia’s soft power, has faced growing international scrutiny, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As an agency dedicated to promoting Russia’s cultural and humanitarian outreach, it has become a focal point for both diplomatic and political tensions globally.

By Tamilla Hasanova