Azerbaijanis speak out: Russia should pull itself together

north_east

Russian media calls for attack on Azerbaijan

Following the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight en route from Baku to Grozny by Russia on December 25 last year, which killed 38 people, and the recent arrest of Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg in late June in connection with a past murder case—where two Azerbaijani citizens, the Safarov brothers, died during a police raid—tensions between Baku and Moscow remain unresolved. Amid this strained atmosphere, Azerbaijan has responded to Russia in a tone markedly different from that of other former Soviet republics: firm, negative, and assertive. This has even sparked speculation about the potential closure of Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan. The QALAMPIR.UZ team, recently back from a visit to Baku, sought public opinion on these developments.

One respondent emphasized that Azerbaijan has always defended its territorial integrity and citizens, stating that such challenges have recurred throughout the country’s history, and the Azerbaijani people—strong-willed and resilient—have consistently endured and overcome them. He also underlined the importance of responding firmly to all forms of aggression.

“In general, Azerbaijan has always defended its borders and land. We are a strong-willed people. We've long been under pressure—both from Russia and other nations—and we will overcome the current situation as well. Of course, I view the recent treatment of our migrants with deep concern. This issue matters to all of us. I believe the time has come to say 'enough' to Russia’s attitude toward other nationalities, and I expect representatives of all oppressed peoples to take a stand,” he said.

Others who spoke to QALAMPIR.UZ stressed the importance of preserving diplomatic and peaceful ties with Russia. They advocated for treating migrants humanely, refraining from closing Russian-language schools, and resolving disputes through dialogue.

“I don’t believe Russian schools should be shut down—there’s no harm in their existence. But the growing tension is undeniable. My opinion on how our migrants are being treated is negative. People deserve kindness,” said one citizen.

Some interviewees acknowledged the need to maintain warm bilateral ties despite recent events, while others strongly criticized Russia’s broader policy toward migrants and its regional behavior. One individual expressed particular disapproval of state-funded Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan.

“Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan should be private. It’s not right for the state to fund them. If we have Russian schools, why not English, Arabic, or Turkish ones too? Let them be private—fine. But currently, there are more than 300 Russian state schools. Why? Why should our government fund that?

And as for migrants in Russia—it’s unacceptable. They forget that Russia was built by people who weren’t even ethnic Russians. Of the 140 million living in Russia, maybe 30 million are actually Russian. The rest are Turkic, Slavic, and other nationalities. One day, they’ll reclaim their identities. Russian chauvinism must come to its senses. Who do they think they are?

Our ancestors brought them culture—Attila, Genghis Khan. Back then, their beards were two meters long. Genghis Khan would’ve locked them up. We taught them how to bathe—they used to bathe seven at a time in one barrel, eat ten to a bowl. We taught them how to live,” he added.

You can watch the full video of this public survey in the player above or on the QALAMPIR.UZ YouTube channel.