On February 6, 2026, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Evdokimov, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the MFA issued an official statement regarding the meeting.
During the meeting, a sharp protest was expressed to the Russian Ambassador concerning the statements made on February 5 by Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots and a member of the ruling United Russia Party. The statements pertained to the conviction of Armenian citizens in Azerbaijan. A formal note of protest was subsequently presented to the Russian side.
The MFA strongly condemned Zatulin's long-standing rhetoric against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The ministry emphasized that his open support for separatism and attempts to distort judicial decisions regarding Armenian citizens convicted of crimes against peace, humanity, and war crimes committed during Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan are unacceptable. The Russian side was urged to take appropriate measures to end the destructive activities of individuals like Zatulin, who seek to undermine peace and stability in the region as well as the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are governed by the Declaration on Allied Interaction signed in 2022, which emphasizes mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. Official Baku has repeatedly stated that any interference in its internal judicial processes or support for separatist elements in the Garabagh region contradicts the spirit of strategic partnership and international law.
