Baku: Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Yevdokimov, to express a strong protest over remarks made by a Russian MP. This diplomatic move was reported by the MFA to APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the protest was in response to a statement by Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, regarding the conviction of Armenian citizens in Azerbaijan. A protest note was handed to the Russian side during the meeting.

Zatulin's statements were criticized for challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, promoting separatism, distorting court decisions, and using inappropriate language about Armenian citizens convicted of crimes against peace and humanity. These crimes were linked to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani officials urged the Russian side to take measures against individuals like Zatulin, whose actions are seen as threats to peace and stability in the region and to the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia.