Tensions flare between Moscow and Baku
Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan have nosedived after several Azerbaijanis were arrested in Yekaterinburg on Sunday for murders committed many years ago. Two of those arrested were found dead shortly afterwards - according to Baku as a result of severe physical abuse. In retaliation, several Russians - including employees of the Russian state broadcaster Sputnik - were arrested in Baku and subjected to brutal treatment. What is fuelling the conflict?
Patriotic point scoring
The leaders in Baku want to make a name for themselves at Russia's expense, Radio Kommersant FM complains:
“Relations that until recently seemed exemplary are going downhill fast. One can't but get the feeling that the events in Yekaterinburg served as nothing more more than a convenient excuse. ... Azerbaijan is starting to behave like a regional power. ... And Russia is perceived as a former hegemon that can be ignored and gradually pushed out of the region. And at whose cost the government can boost its ego and score points in the eyes of the country's 'patriotic public'.”
The Kremlin can't let go
Russia panics whenever former Soviet republics display strength, political expert Oleh Posternak observes in a Facebook post reprinted by Espreso:
“I can imagine the level of hysteria in Moscow over yet another 'second-rate' country shaking Russia's 'fundamental beliefs'. ... The most painful blows for Russia are those coming from former Soviet republics - in particular Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, states that have most consistently and effectively achieved real sovereignty and countered (or even completely dismantled) Russian influence. Ukraine is moving towards the EU, Kazakhstan is looking to China, and Azerbaijan has formed a coalition with Turkey.”
A foreign policy fiasco
Moscow is also alienating its old ally Armenia, which is trying to reach an agreement with Azerbaijan after losing the war over Nagorno-Karabakh, journalist Dmitry Kolesov comments in a Telegram post picked up by Echo:
“In my opinion Russia has tried to exploit the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Ultimately, however, it risks losing its influence over both these republics - and the entire region. This will certainly please the EU, and above all Turkey, which compete with Russia in the South Caucasus. If that's how things pan out this will be a serious foreign policy fiasco for Moscow.”