Moscow Urges Baku to Restore Strategic Ties, Warns Against Provocations

MOSCOW — Russia has called on Azerbaijan to return bilateral relations to the level of strategic alliance defined in official agreements, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.

In a statement, Zakharova emphasized that “all disputes must be resolved through political and diplomatic channels, not provocations,” signaling rising tensions between the two countries.

The spokeswoman also expressed concern over Baku’s refusal to grant Russian consular access to detained Russian citizens, including journalists, despite multiple official requests.

Warning Russian nationals about the evolving situation, Zakharova advised travelers to Azerbaijan to exercise caution, underlining the seriousness of the diplomatic strain.