Russia Denies Journalists' Statements Represent Its Position
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to provide protection to three Russian citizens, Ivan Knyazev, Semyon Uralov, and Alexey Chadaev, in connection with Azerbaijan's decision to declare them wanted persons internationally, but emphasizes that the statements of these private individuals do not reflect Moscow's approach to the country.
Consensus
- The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the statements of the three Russian journalists do not reflect Moscow's official position toward Azerbaijan.
- The Russian government emphasized that bilateral relations should be based on the existing bilateral legal framework, particularly the Declaration on Allied Interaction signed on February 22, 2022.
- Russia expressed readiness to protect the legal rights and interests of its citizens involved.
- Azerbaijan's General Prosecutor's Office has initiated a criminal case and declared the three individuals in international arrest.
- The journalists—Semen Uratov, Ivan Knyazev, and Alexei Chadayev—are accused of inciting violence, changing the constitutional order, and undermining territorial integrity.
- The accusations stem from a YouTube program titled 'Chistota ponimaniya' (Clean Understanding).
- Russia has repeatedly proposed discussing the information environment in a calm, non-politicized manner through specialized consultations.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry noted the presence of unfriendly narratives about Russia in Azerbaijan's information space.
Points of divergence
- Azerbaijan's General Prosecutor has not actually declared an international arrest, only submitted a request to Interpol; the process requires Interpol's approval, which is unlikely due to the political nature of the case and Interpol's rules prohibiting political matters. — tg_rybar
- The Azerbaijani media's reporting of an international arrest as a fact is premature and likely intended as a media campaign to intimidate critics, given that the case has no procedural chance of success. — tg_rybar
- The case appears to be a response to long-standing criticism by the journalists, including remarks from July 2025 about an alliance between Baku and Yerevan against Moscow and influence of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Russian bureaucracy. — tg_rybar
Coverage (9 sources)
- Foreign Ministry: words of Russians declared wanted in Azerbaijan do not reflect Russia's position — Ведомости
- Zakhrova stated about unfriendly to Russia narratives in Azerbaijan's information field — Коммерсантъ
- Zakharova commented on Azerbaijan's announcement of journalists from Russia as wanted — Вести
- Foreign Ministry: Russia will ensure protection of journalists' rights if necessary, those sought by Baku — Вести
- Zakharova stated about unfriendly RF narratives in the information field of Baku — Вести
- Russian Foreign Ministry commented on Azerbaijan's announcement to seek three Russian journalists — Интерфакс
- Maria Zakharova in response to Baku's announcement of the wanted status of three Russian journalists pointed out that in the information field of Azerbaijan there are constantly unfriendly to Russia narratives. — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Maria Zakharova in response to Baku's announcement of the wanted status of three Russian journalists pointed out that in the information field of Azerbaijan there are constantly unfriendly to Russia narratives. — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Wanted, but Not There — Рыбарь
Key entities
- Russia
- Azerbaijan
- Maria Zakharov
- Moscow
- Baku
- MID
- General Procuracy
- Alexey Chadaev
- Semen Urakov
- Azerba
- INTERFAX.RU
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