Cultural Clashes: Russia-Azerbaijan Tensions Escalate Over Cancelled Events

Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan heightened as Azerbaijan canceled Russian cultural events in response to arrests of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia. Azerbaijan accused Russian police of extrajudicial killings, a claim Moscow denies. The situation has seen diplomatic responses, including halting bilateral talks and canceling official visits.

Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan intensified on Monday as Azerbaijan called off Russian cultural events. This move was in retaliation to the recent arrests of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia's Yekaterinburg, where police linked them to historic unsolved crimes, including serial killings.

Among the suspects, two were reported dead, with one allegedly dying of heart failure. Azerbaijan has accused Russia of extrajudicial killings on ethnic grounds, an allegation firmly denied by Moscow.

The diplomatic fallout continued as Azerbaijan raided the office of Russian media Sputnik Azerbaijan and canceled official talks and a deputy prime minister's visit. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed regret over the cultural cancellations and stressed the importance of dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)