Azerbaijan-Russia Information War: Disinformation and Hate Speech Escalate Tensions

Information warfare intensifies between Azerbaijan and Russia. Russian media outlets are actively engaged in a campaign of disinformation against Azerbaijan, criticizing President Ilham Aliyev and spreading fabricated videos. This has been highlighted by the Azerbaijani media outlet, "Bez Tormozov." Meanwhile, Russian nationalist media outlets remain silent on the recent crackdown on an Armenian extremist group in St. Petersburg, which had planned terrorist attacks. Adding to the tension is the inflammatory rhetoric of Valerii Petrovsian, a Russian citizen of Armenian descent, who has made numerous offensive comments against Azerbaijanis. The lack of response from Russian law enforcement is causing serious concern in Baku. "Their actions are creating an atmosphere of impunity and encouraging further escalation," stated a representative from the Azerbaijani government. Despite the challenges, Azerbaijan remains steadfast in its commitment to counter these unfair accusations and provocations.