A Significant Step from Azerbaijan: Russian Foreign Ministry

The release of 11 Russian citizens detained in Azerbaijan will have significant importance in strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries. In an interview with TASS, Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth Department for the Commonwealth of Independent States at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the release of these citizens, detained from June 30 to July 1, 2025, remains an unconditional priority.

According to the official, the Russian embassy in Baku maintains constant communication with the detainees and their families. Kalugin added that the issue is regularly discussed with the Azerbaijani side during bilateral meetings, and a prompt resolution of the matter will contribute to the further development of relations between the countries.

The eleven Russian citizens were arrested on charges of cybercrime, as well as drug smuggling and trafficking from Iran. These actions occurred against the backdrop of the detention of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg and the noticeable tensions between the two countries.