Two agents from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) stationed at the Sputnik Azerbaijan bureau have been arrested, Azerbaijani law enforcement announced, according to Minval.az . Authorities have established tight control over the office premises.

Despite the detentions, the agency continues to operate: staff are still visiting the office, receiving salaries, and participating in events. They expressed confidence that full operations will soon resume.

These actions followed the cancellation of a Milli Majlis delegation visit to Moscow and the suspension of all Russia-associated cultural events. Azerbaijani media reported the measures were in response to “the demonstrative, premeditated killings and violence against Azerbaijanis on Russian soil,” specifically in Yekaterinburg.

The Russian Foreign Ministry responded to Baku’s accusations concerning the arrests and killings of Azerbaijani community members in Yekaterinburg. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova explained that Russian law enforcement conducted arrests and searches at residences of suspects—Russian citizens of Azerbaijani origin—as part of investigations into serious crimes committed in recent years.

Earlier reports indicated that Azerbaijanis were killed during these operations and others were injured.