Information has spread that some Azerbaijanis in Russia are recruiting people from Azerbaijan for the war in Ukraine, offering enticing incentives via social networks.
In recent days, the increasing news of Azerbaijanis fighting on the Russian side being killed has drawn attention to this issue.
Many experts have suggested taking measures against individuals involved in illegal activities.
In a statement to Modern.az, Aydın Mirzəzadə, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on Defense, Security, and Anti-Corruption, called on Azerbaijani citizens living in Russia and Ukraine not to join the conflict:
"This is the first time I am hearing about this. I do not want Azerbaijani citizens living in Russia and Ukraine to join this conflict. The Russia-Ukraine war is taking place between two brotherly Slavic nations. It is desirable for this war to end soon, and states are working towards this. Azerbaijanis who are citizens of Russia and Ukraine must naturally abide by the laws of those countries. I would prefer that those temporarily residing there, or those who went there for work, do not join the conflict. At the same time, I do not consider it acceptable for anyone to engage in commercial activities here. Azerbaijan has experienced the pain of war, and this pain is still present in every family. War is a terrible thing, and I would not want those who went to Russia to study or work to join the war. The world is already striving for that war to end soon. I hope the war will end next year. But at the same time, it is not right for anyone from our nation to call for war or to involve a part of our compatriots in a military conflict.”
The parliamentarian emphasized that severe penalties await individuals involved in illegal activities:
“According to our laws, if Azerbaijani citizens participate in military conflicts abroad, a court awaits them in Azerbaijan. This is considered a serious crime, and if confirmed, those individuals will be held accountable under the laws of our country. Those who organize such activities will also bear criminal responsibility. The wish of every Azerbaijani is for the Ukraine-Russia war to end, for peace and tranquility to be restored, and for relations between these two brotherly nations to improve. May Azerbaijanis who go to those countries live peacefully alongside the local population.”
Military expert Ədalət Verdiyev noted that the involvement of Azerbaijani citizens in armed groups and their participation in combat operations in the territories of other countries are prohibited by existing legislation and entail criminal liability:
“Apparently, the less severe sanctions of existing penalties do not deter many from this wrong action. I believe that legal experts should express their opinions on this matter, and stricter sanctions should be reflected in the legislation. There is also a propaganda aspect to the issue. Harsher measures should be taken against those participating in the conflict and those who recruit them for war. Propaganda should also be strengthened.”
The expert emphasized that many go and participate in the aggressive war on Russia's side for a certain sum of money.
"By increasing the suffering of the Ukrainian people, they inflict considerable damage on Azerbaijan's reputation as a victorious country."
