Yekaterinburg: Recent socio-political developments within Russia vividly demonstrate that the state’s racist and chauvinist policies are not only deepening but have also taken on an extreme form. In order to suppress internal dissent and strengthen totalitarian control, the Kremlin has chosen non-Russian peoples and migrants as scapegoats. The Kremlin’s zealous revival of the ‘foreign enemy’ mythology is, in reality, an attempt to conceal that its systematic repressive machinery is targeting migrants, ethnic minorities, and anyone who thinks differently. These pressures are no longer limited to isolated incidents – criminal policies such as ethnic discrimination, violence, and forced mobilization have become an ideological pillar of the state. The Russian authorities are openly dismantling the model of a multiethnic society, striving instead to realize the fantasy of a monoethnic and aggressive empire.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Vugar Iskandarov, a member of the Azerbaijan-Russia inter-parliamentary working group and MP, stated in an interview with APA that ultra-nationalism and the politics of fear in Russia are becoming official tools of the state. Iskandarov emphasized that the rule of law no longer prevails, and instead, the dominance of force over laws is openly demonstrated. This situation creates a state of psychosis among the population, temporarily replacing ultra-nationalism with the search for an internal enemy among ‘ethnic Russians’.
Ceyhun Mammadov, another member of the Azerbaijan-Russia inter-parliamentary working group and an MP, pointed out that the discrimination by Russian officials against migrants, particularly Azerbaijanis, is evident. He stressed the importance of the Russian side preventing such incidents to avoid damaging trust between peoples, escalating hatred, and causing serious problems.
In Yekaterinburg, a special operation conducted by the FSB against the Azerbaijani Safarov family resulted in two individuals being murdered and nine others arrested, highlighting the prevalence of ethnic hatred over the rule of law. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded Russia investigate the killings and punish those responsible.
Vugar Iskandarov noted that the incident in Yekaterinburg exemplifies the fear and bias prevailing in Russia, with the brutal attack on Azerbaijani citizens raising concerns about the state’s legal stance. He urged for urgent prevention of such incidents and stressed that law enforcement must act according to legal norms.
Ceyhun Mammadov added that the pressure on migrants, especially Azerbaijanis, in Russia is a dangerous policy undermining bilateral relations. He expressed concern over Russia’s deteriorating relations with CIS countries due to such actions.
Russia’s shortage of human resources in the war in Ukraine has led to the forced conscription of migrants through blackmail and threats, violating human rights and international law. Vugar Iskandarov described this as a dangerous ideological collapse, while Ceyhun Mammadov highlighted the systematic nature of this policy.
Moscow’s anti-Azerbaijani rhetoric extends to Kremlin-affiliated media, with hostile coverage aimed at destabilizing the region. Vugar Iskandarov emphasized the need for Russia to address these crimes and respond to Azerbaijan’s concerns.
Ceyhun Mammadov criticized the provocative campaign against Azerbaijan as a hostile stance that undermines strategic partnership. He urged for an end to such provocations to preserve bilateral relations.
The deepening of chauvinism and ethnic discrimination in Russia poses a threat to minority populations and regional stability. The Kremlin’s abandonment of multiculturalism and international law for an ideology of fear and pressure reflects Russia’s post-imperial ambitions.