Azerbaijan summons Russian Ambassador over derogatory media rhetoric and threats

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mikhail Evdokimov, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side conveyed its deep concern and resolute protest regarding systemic provocative, offensive, and threatening narratives targeting the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani people, and the nation's leadership across Russian media and information platforms.

Particular emphasis was placed on hostile remarks aired on August 13, 2026, within the "Chistota Ponimaniya" broadcast. Diplomatic officials also pointed to unacceptable claims broadcast on Radio Sputnik on August 7 suggesting the inclusion of Azerbaijani leadership in "Russia's registry of terrorists and extremists," as well as derogatory and inflammatory content distributed via YouTube on August 9 and the Spas TV channel on August 16.

The Foreign Ministry underscored that public discussions regarding interference in Azerbaijan's domestic political processes, along with overt incitement to physical violence against the Azerbaijani state and its leadership, are entirely unacceptable. Baku noted that despite repeated diplomatic representations across multiple political channels, the persistence and escalation of such rhetoric remains alarming.

Azerbaijan reiterated its clear expectation that Russian authorities must take immediate and tangible steps to halt anti-Azerbaijani provocation, intimidation, and hostile rhetoric across its national media landscape.

N.Tebrizli