Russia does not want to accept the independent policy of former USSR countries - OPINION

Russia cannot accept the fact that post-Soviet countries pursue independent policies.

This was stated to Report by the leading consultant of the Center for Analysis of International Relations (CAIR) Sultan Zahidov.

According to him, the raid by Russian security forces on the homes of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg and the use of torture against them is a criminal act and unacceptable action.

"Illegal behavior was demonstrated against our compatriots. In Azerbaijani-Russian relations recently, imperial arrogance has been observed from Russia, continuing to perceive the Caucasus as a backyard and unwillingness to come to terms with Azerbaijan's independent, principled policy. The December incident (the shooting down of a passenger plane of Azerbaijan Airlines - ed.), subsequent commissioned provocations against Azerbaijan in the Russian media, oppression of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Russia, etc. show that official Moscow is conducting a pressure campaign against Baku," said Zahidov.

The expert stated that the continuation of Russia's imperialist policy can be observed in Ukraine today.

"The same policy was carried out against Georgia in 2008. That is, Russia can in no way reconcile with the fact that post-Soviet countries pursue independent policies, participate in various cooperation platforms. While Azerbaijan has always pursued a balanced, multi-vector policy, preferring cooperation with all regions, we are witnessing unpleasant behavior from Russia. The incident that occurred in Yekaterinburg is a crime that should be investigated and given a legal assessment. However, as in the case of our shot-down plane, I do not believe they will conduct an objective investigation this time either."

The interviewee emphasized that Russia is currently seeking to intensify its activities in the Caucasus:

"Due to the war in Ukraine, it has weakened to some extent in the Caucasus, we removed its army from Karabakh, after which it wanted to establish a consulate in Khankendi, which we did not authorize. Now it is trying to continue its pressure in different ways. By interfering in Armenia's affairs, it raises the church, we also constantly witness its interference in affairs in Georgia - the events of last autumn give grounds to talk about this. That is, Russia does not want to lose the Caucasus, but has chosen the wrong strategy on this path. Russia, first of all, must gain the trust of the Caucasian countries, enter into trade and economic cooperation on equal terms. But instead, using elements of hard power, it distances the Caucasus from itself."

Recall that on the morning of June 27, the Russian FSB raided the homes of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg. During the raid, two people were killed, and several others were injured. The killed Azerbaijanis are brothers of the well-known journalist Seyfaddin Huseynli.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan issued a statement on June 28, demanding an investigation and holding accountable "the perpetrators of this unacceptable act of violence." Later, the Russian Chargé d'Affaires was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, and a strong protest was expressed to him regarding the incident.

In Yekaterinburg yesterday, a court hearing was held regarding 6 detainees, with three of them receiving a preventive measure in the form of arrest for 22 days, and three for three days. All six did not admit their guilt.