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Following recent deadly clashes involving Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, Vladimir Solovyov, one of Russia’s most prominent state TV propagandists, issued a sharp warning to Azerbaijan during a live broadcast on Rossiya-1, escalating tensions between the two countries.
Solovyov referenced the 300-kilometer (186.4-mile) shared border between Russia and Azerbaijan, cautioning that Baku’s recent actions could spiral into a major conflict with Moscow.
"If Russia raises its eyebrows for even a moment... Azerbaijan is our third-largest trading partner. Let me remind you about the flow of money, not from Azerbaijan to Russia, but from Russia to Azerbaijan. After that, the situation could change drastically," he stated.
Alluding to possible military consequences, Solovyov said, "They rely on this, or consider the 300-kilometer border and wonder what they are allowed to do, watching how they are permitted to speak about fighting in the center. I am sure no sane person living in Azerbaijani territory would fall for such foolishness."
The heightened rhetoric follows recent incidents in Russia’s Yekaterinburg, where clashes involving Azerbaijanis led to two deaths and mass arrests.
Baku blamed the fatalities on excessive force by Russian authorities. In retaliation, roughly ten Russian citizens were detained in Azerbaijan, with further arrests reported in both countries.
In addition, pro-Kremlin social media accounts have threatened Azerbaijan with annexation by Chechen forces, warning, "Maybe watch what you say and do because you aren’t in a great position. You managed to anger Iran and Armenia; do not dare us. I bet the Chechens can’t wait to annex you."
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