Kremlin acknowledges “difficult period” in ties with Azerbaijan, hopes for normalization

Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan have entered a “difficult period,” but the Kremlin hopes the situation will improve, Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

“There are strong foundations in our bilateral ties, but occasionally difficult periods occur — and this is one of them. We hope it will pass, as cooperation between our countries brings mutual benefit,” Peskov told reporters.

He stressed the importance of respect for Russians in Azerbaijan and noted that a large Azerbaijani diaspora lives in Russia, most of whom are law-abiding and respected members of society.

Commenting on Azerbaijan’s possible legal action over the downing of an AZAL passenger plane, Peskov said Moscow would “wait for official rulings” if Baku proceeds with a case. “Investigative procedures are ongoing — if Azerbaijan takes this step, it is their right,” he said.

The comments came after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Baku is preparing a legal case over the Embraer-190 crash and had informed Moscow accordingly. Aliyev noted that seven months had passed without substantial answers from the Russian side and called the situation “counterproductive” for bilateral relations.