Unsafe for Russian citizens to stay in Azerbaijan, Zatulin says

The development scenarios of the conflict between Russia and Azerbaijan will depend on the diplomatic efforts of the parties involved, Konstantin Zatulin, a member of Russia’s State Duma, told Lenta.ru, while also not ruling out the possibility of escalation.

“Regarding the detention of Russians by Azerbaijan, I believe everything will develop in accordance with the intentions of the parties. However, based on the steps Baku is currently taking, I think it is simply not safe for Russian citizens to be in this country for tourism, work, or any other purpose,” Zatulin said.

According to the politician, the escalation or, conversely, the freezing of the conflict with Azerbaijan will depend on the negotiating efforts of diplomats.

“In any case, we need to learn a lesson from this situation. If Baku does not stop the unjustified abduction of innocent Russian citizens—who are not involved in airplane crashes or the arrests of Azerbaijani mafia leaders—Moscow will have no choice but to advise its citizens to avoid entering that country,” Zatulin concluded.