BAKU, August 18, 2025 — Growing pressure on Azerbaijanis in Russia should be recognized as both Islamophobia and ethnic discrimination, Azerbaijani MP Ceyhun Mammadov told Oxu.Az.
“The situation has no other definition. Chauvinism, Islamophobia, and national discrimination are on the rise in Russia. We particularly see this in the measures taken against Muslims and Muslim migrants,” Mammadov said.
He stressed that the Azerbaijani state closely monitors the social and legal problems faced by its citizens in Russia:
“Steps are being taken by the government to regulate the process. Diaspora organizations are also paying close attention and conducting monitoring. What we see is the imposition of restrictions on Azerbaijanis and the creation of obstacles to their daily lives.”
The MP also commented on the recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that it was premature to call it a victory or defeat for either side.
“Despite criticism, such a meeting was necessary. Issues must be discussed, analyzed, and solutions found. During his election campaign, Trump promised to end the Russia–Ukraine war, and now he is trying to make progress in that direction. He wants to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and that is why he is putting all his efforts into ending the war. To some extent, this should be acknowledged,” Mammadov stated.
According to him, dialogue remains essential:
“Conflicts cannot be resolved solely through threats and embargoes. Negotiation is the only viable path.”
