Mass Detentions of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg Spark Diplomatic Tensions

Law enforcement actions cannot be grounds for diplomatic demarches, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on a statement from Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, which had demanded an investigation into the detentions of Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg. "We sincerely regret such decisions,” Peskov stated. He added that it is important to continue work "to clarify the reasons and nature of the events that, according to the Azerbaijani side, prompted such demarches.” Peskov was also asked whether a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was planned. He replied that no such talks were currently scheduled, but noted that "if needed, of course, they will take place as soon as possible.”