Russia names its priority in relations with Azerbaijan amid rift
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Azerbaijan Plans International Lawsuit Against Russia Over Plane Crash
Above: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum in Hankendi, Azerbaijan, on July 19, 2025. Image copyright: Azerbaijani Presidency/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia and Azerbaijan share deep historical bonds through families, culture, and economic ties. Current tensions shouldn't overshadow decades of mutual cooperation, as only external forces profit from creating discord between neighbors. Russia continues to investigate last year's tragedy, and Azerbaijan should not make rash decisions that could undermine relations out of impatience.
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's response shows complete disregard for basic international law and neighborly relations. Seven months of stonewalling with generic "investigation ongoing" responses demonstrates Moscow's unwillingness to take responsibility for clearly shooting down a civilian aircraft. The evidence is overwhelming — Russia cannot ignore Azerbaijan and must pay for its crimes.