Archive July 1, 2025

Why are ties between Azerbaijan and Russia fraying?

In 2001, a man was stabbed to death near a lakeside restaurant in Yekaterinburg, an urban centre in Russia’s Ural Mountains region.

With his dying breath, he whispered the names of his alleged killers to the police, local media claimed.

The man and his presumed murderers were ethnic Azeris, Turkic-speaking Muslims whose families fled to Russia in the 1990s after the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, an Azeri region dominated by ethnic Armenians.

But it took Russian authorities 24 years to identify and detain the presumed suspects – even though they ran the restaurant and never went into hiding.

Two alleged suspects died while being rounded up on Friday. One suffered a “heart attack” while the other suspect’s cause of death “is being established”, according to Russian prosecutors.

They also purported that the suspects were part of “a criminal group” allegedly involved in other murders and the sale of counterfeit alcohol that killed 44 people in 2021.

The prosecutors provided no answers as to why the presumed “criminals” were at large for so long – and did not elaborate on the apparently brutal manner in which they were detained.

The deaths triggered a diplomatic storm that may contribute to a tectonic shift in the strategic South Caucasus region, Russia’s former stamping ground, where Azerbaijan won Nagorno-Karabakh back in 2020, and Turkiye is regaining its centuries-old clout.

Azerbaijan slams Russia’s ‘unacceptable violence’

The spat has so far resulted in the arrest of two Russian intelligence officers in Azerbaijan, the shutdown of a Kremlin-funded media outlet there, and the cancellation of “cultural events” sponsored by Moscow.

Russian police and intelligence officers used “unacceptable violence” that killed two brothers, Ziyaddin Safarov and Gusein Safarov, and left their relatives severely injured, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.

One of the injured men reportedly said masked officers began breaking his front door at dawn, frightening his children.

The officers “turned the house upside down and kept beating us for an hour without asking anything”, Mohammed Safarov told the MediaAzNews website.

He said his elderly father was also beaten and electrocuted for hours and claimed they were both requested to “volunteer” to fight Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Other Azeri media outlets published photos of bruises and wounds the men claimed were caused by Russian officers.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, in response to a question about Azerbaijan’s reactions,  “We sincerely regret such decisions”.

He added, “We believe that everything that’s happening (in Yekaterinburg) is related to the work of law enforcement agencies, and this cannot and should not be a reason for such a reaction. ”

But Emil Mustafayev, a political analyst based in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, said the incident highlighted a xenophobic strain in Russia.

“The killing of Azeris is a link in the chain of tendentious politics where ethnic minorities are used as a lightning rod,” he said. “This is not just a tragedy, this is a symptom of a deep sickness of the Russian society. ”

The Azeri diaspora in Russia is at least two million strong, but they face discrimination, police brutality and hate attacks.

“The Kremlin has long ago mastered a trick – when domestic dissent is on the rise, there is a need to switch attention to ‘the enemies from within’, be that Ukrainians, Tajiks, Uzbeks or, like now, Azeris,” Mustafayev added.

The Kremlin uses state propaganda, police brutality and the taciturn approval of top officials to create an atmosphere of violence against migrants that is “seen as normal, as inevitable”, he said.

Back in the 1990s, Azeri migrants nearly monopolised fruit trade and mini-bus transportation in Russian urban centres.

Many still run countless shops selling vegetables and flowers.

“We are the boogeymen, cops always need to check our documents and need no excuse to harass us and call us names even after they see my Russian passport,” an ethnic Azeri owner of a flower shop near a major railway station in Moscow told Al Jazeera, on condition of anonymity.

Until the early 2000s, the Azeris “undoubtedly were the number one” most-hated ethnic minority in Russia, until the arrival of labour migrants from Russia’s North Caucasus and ex-Soviet Central Asia, said Nikolay Mitrokhin, a researcher with Germany’s Bremen University.

Since then, some ultra-nationalists and skinheads who considered Azeris their main enemies joined law enforcement agencies, he added.

“So, the cruelty in Yekaterinburg may have been caused by” the decades-old hatred, Mitrokhin told Al Jazeera.

Strained ties

Other geopolitical factors contributed to anti-Azeri sentiments in Russia.

In 2020, Azerbaijan put an end to the seemingly unsolvable political deadlock over Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The success undoubtedly became possible thanks to Turkiye’s military aid,” Alisher Ilkhamov, head of Central Asia Due Diligence, a think tank in London, told Al Jazeera.

Baku bought advanced Turkish-made Bayraktar drones that could easily strike large groups of Armenian and separatist soldiers, together with their trenches, tanks and trucks.

An Azeri-Turkish alliance emerged, “allowing Baku to get rid of Moscow’s obtrusive ‘peacekeeping’ mission and depriving it of a chance to manipulate the Azeri-Armenian conflict to keep both [Azerbaijan and Armenia] in its political orbit”, he said.

The alliance tarnished Moscow’s clout in South Caucasus, while Baku sympathised with Kyiv in the Russian-Ukrainian war, he said.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also accused Russia of obstructing an investigation into the downing of an Azeri passenger plane over Chechnya last December.

The plane was apparently hit by panicking Russian air defence forces during a Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny, Chechnya’s administrative capital.

Aliyev also refused to take part in the May 9 parade on Moscow’s iconic Red Square to commemorate Russia’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in 1945.

Baku fiercely resists the Kremlin’s campaign to forcibly enlist Azeri labour migrants to join Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

Will Syria normalise relations with Israel?

After nearly 14 years of war in Syria, the new government is resetting its regional relations, and a lot of focus is on what will happen with Israel.

There are reports of talks between Syria and Israel, with timelines even being floated for potential normalisation between the two countries, which have technically been at war since the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

Here’s what you need to know about possible normalisation between Syria and Israel:

What has happened so far?

Syria and Israel have held direct talks, according to Israeli media, about potentially entering into a normalisation agreement.

Communication between the two states has reportedly been facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, which established a backchannel for contact.

Any agreement would likely be an extension of the Abraham Accords, an agreement brokered by the United States between some Arab states and Israel.

The Abraham Accords were a top-down approach by Donald Trump during his first term as US president to get Arab states to formalise relations with Israel.

They were signed in August and September 2020 by the UAE and Bahrain, and soon followed by Sudan and Morocco.

Since then, Trump has worked to expand the accords by pushing more countries to sign agreements with Israel.

Trump visited three countries in the Middle East in May, and, while in Saudi Arabia, he met Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and reportedly encouraged him to normalise relations with Israel.

Is normalisation possible?

Possibly down the road, analysts say, but right now it would be nearly impossible, according to Syrian writer and author Robin Yassin-Kassab.

There is a deep enmity between Syria and Israel, which heightened during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and Israel’s occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights.

Israeli Defence Minister Gideon Saar said his country would insist on its occupation of the Golan Heights in any deal with Syria, and the Israeli army has gone deeper into the Golan, occupying homes and expelling people from the area.

Many Syrians would oppose giving up the Golan to Israel, according to analysts. Still, many might welcome common-sense negotiations.

“Syrians are split … because on the one hand people are exhausted, everyone recognises Syria cannot defend itself or fight Israel … so it’s good [al-Sharaa’s] negotiating,” Yassin-Kassab said, adding that a return to an agreement like the 1974 ceasefire is the most realistic option.

About a week after then-President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria in December 2024, Israel’s parliament voted on a plan to expand settlements in Syria – illegal under international law. There are currently more than 31,000 Israeli settlers in the occupied Golan Heights.

Syria, under al-Sharaa, has said it is open to peace with Israel and that it would uphold a 1974 ceasefire agreement between the two states, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on December 8 – the day al-Assad fled to Moscow – that he viewed the agreement as void.

Israel attacked Syria repeatedly, destroying much of its military infrastructure and seizing Syrian territory near the border with Syria’s Golan Heights.

Syria would likely ask for Israel to withdraw from the newly occupied area under a new non-aggression deal, though reports say the Golan Heights have not yet been discussed.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani shakes hands with US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack in Damascus, Syria, May 29, 2025 [Firas Makdesi/Reuters]

What moves have been made lately?

In recent days, Israeli officials have said they are open to a deal with Syria, and Netanyahu reportedly asked US Special Envoy Tom Barrack to help negotiate one.

Israel’s National Security Council head, Tzachi Hanegbi, has reportedly been overseeing discussions with Syrian officials. The talks include a US presence and are in “advanced stages”, according to senior Israeli officials who spoke to The Times of Israel.

Figures close to al-Sharaa are reportedly asking for an end to Israeli aggression without Syria having to accept full normalisation, Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar reported.

What would Syria want from talks with Israel?

Syria wants the Israeli attacks on Syrian territory to cease.

There are concerns over Israel’s expanded occupation of the Golan Heights among many Syrians; however, it’s unclear if al-Sharaa’s government will demand the return of the occupied parts.

Syria would, however, want Israel to pull out of the Golan proper and the parts it occupied over the last year.

Israel also threatened the new Syrian government  not to  deploy soldiers south of Damascus, a region near its border with Israel.

Israel has also tried to stoke sectarianism in this area, threatening to intervene to “protect the Syrian Druze” during sectarian-driven tensions between groups affiliated with the new Syrian government and Syria’s minority Druze community.

While many in the Druze community have shown a distrust of Syria’s new government, many have also denounced Israel’s threats of intervention as a calculated stunt to cause further discord among Syrians.

What would Israel want?

Netanyahu reportedly wants a security agreement – an update on the 1974 text – with a framework towards a total peace plan with Syria.

US envoy Barrack claims the issue between Syria and Israel is “solvable” and has suggested they begin with a “non-aggression agreement”, according to Axios.

Such a continued occupation of the Golan would likely upset many Syrians.

“It’s too politically difficult [for al-Sharaa], even under American pressure and the continued threat of violence from Israel,” Yassin-Kassab said.

Danny Dyer makes daughter Dani gasp with x-rated honeymoon confession

Just back from her honeymoon, Dani Dyer was left speechless when her dad shared a saucy confession about his honeymoon with her mum.

Danny overshared x rated details in his recent podcast episode(Image: Instagram/danidyerxx)

Danny Dyer has left daughter Dani horrified with his X-rated honeymoon confession.

The Eastenders star left daughter Dani Dyer mortified this week after sharing an X-rated confession about his honeymoon with wife Jo – just as Dani returned from her own!

On the latest episode of their podcast Live And Let Dyers, the Celebrity Big Brother winner opened up about her romantic getaway with new husband and West Ham star Jarrod Bowen while proud dad Danny managed to overshare in true Dyer fashion.

Back from her sun-soaked trip to Lake Como, Dani revealed the newlyweds were hit with gloomy weather but still made the most of their honeymoon bubble.

Danny dyer smiling with his arms crossed
Danny stole the spotlight from his daughter’s honeymoon when he changed the conversation to memories of his(Image: Getty Images)

READ MORE: Inside Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen’s ‘perfect honeymoon’ at £3k-a-night Lake Como resort

“The weather was terrible, it rained for three days,” she tells Danny on the pod. “But we were very lucky, because it always stopped raining when we went for lunch and for dinners and stuff. ”

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While the couple had hoped for some sunbathing time, Dani admitted they swapped tanning for telly, champagne and baths.

“We just could never sunbathe, and there’s not really much to do there,” she added. “So, we just binged the whole series of MobLand. We ate and I’d just drink champagne and have loads of baths! ”

Dani didn't allow the bad weather to ruin her honeymoon
Dani didn’t allow the bad weather to ruin her honeymoon(Image: Instagram/danidyerxx)

Still, the loved-up newlyweds enjoyed the downtime before Bowen heads back to football duties. “It was actually so nice because obviously I was in such wedding blues – it was so nice to go away for a few days and just have lay ins and spend time together,” Dani says.

“It was just so nice. We was just so happy the whole time. ”

But it wasn’t long before Danny spun the convo onto his honeymoon and things got very a little too honest.

Sunnie Jo Dyer, Danny Dyer, Jarrod Bowen and Dani Dyer attend the Marching Powder World Premiere at Cineworld
Danny got a little too honest (Image: Getty Images)

“To be fair, you shouldn’t really be getting out of bed a lot in your honeymoon because me and your mother ended up in Florence, and you know, we was appalling! ” Danny said

Leaving his daughter stunned. “I mean, honestly, I look back on it and I think, ‘f****** hell! How on Earth did I manage to get in those sorts of positions! ’”

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Clearly shocked but cracking up at her father’s oversharing, Dani responded: “Oh, you’re disgusting! ”

Danny fired back: “What do you mean disgusting? There was two people sharing their love. Them days are long gone now! ”

Taylor signs for PAOK after rejecting Celtic stay

SNS

Scotland left-back Greg Taylor has signed for PAOK, the Greek top-flight club have announced, after rejecting a new contract with Celtic.

The 27-year-old, who has 14 caps for his country, spent six years with the Scottish champions after signing from Kilmarnock.

Scotland mainstay Kieran Tierney, who can operate at either left-back or in central defence, has returned to Celtic at the end of his contract with Arsenal.

Announcing Taylor’s arrival on their X account but without further details, PAOK say: “He came from Scotland. He is ready to fight. He is ready to play. He is ready to conquer! “

Taylor made 216 appearances for Celtic, including 37 starts and six substitute appearances last season as they retained the league title and he also scored in the final as they lifted the Scottish League Cup.

Announcing his exit, Celtic thanked the defender for being “a key figure” in their successes since he signed in 2019.

Taylor won five league titles, three Scottish Cups and three League Cups, including the treble in 2022-23.

Related topics

  • Scottish Premiership
  • Celtic
  • Scottish Football
  • Football

Radio 2 heatwave chaos as Vernon Kay misses show as he’s trapped on hot train

Sara Cox had to step in for Vernon Kay as her fellow Bolton-born DJ got stuck on a hot train

Radio 2 chaos as Vernon Kay misses show as he’s trapped on hot train

BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay missed the start of his morning show on Tuesday after becoming “trapped” on a train. The 51-year-old was expected on air at 9. 30am but said his train had broken down.

Sara Cox, who was presenting Scott Mills’ breakfast show on the station, stayed on to cover for Kay. Posting on his Instagram story, Kay said the “train isn’t training!!” and asked Cox to “hang fire”.

Cox, who like Kay is from Bolton in Greater Manchester, told the BBC Radio 2 audience: “Oh no, I’ve just realised I’m not gonna be in time for reformer Pilates.

“If you just joined in and you’re thinking Vernon is sounding a little extra-manly today, don’t worry. It’s me: Sara, from the same area obviously, though famously.

Vernon on the train
Vernon Kay was in need of some deodorant and coffee(Image: Instagram)

“Vernon, poor Vernon stuck on a hot, sweaty train with no coffee, no air-con, no deodorant. So he’s going to get in at some point, hopefully. ”

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Cox reassured listeners that veteran broadcaster Gary Davies would be filling in from 10am. When Davies took over, he said: “If you just tuned in and wondering were Vernon is, he was on his train like usual and the train broke down and so he has been in sweltering hot heat and they had to send a rescue train which also broke down. ”

Kay took to Instagram himself to share updates on his heated journey with fans.

Parts of England face a heatwave with temperatures in London expected to reach 34C on Tuesday, according to the Met Office.

Davis also played two voice notes on air from Kay where listeners could hear him thanking the presenter for covering the show and calling him a “gentleman”.

Kay later added: “We are trapped on the train. We are still not in good spirits but we are trying Gary, we really are trying. All the best. ”

Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce appeared to have had a similar issue after his train broke down on Tuesday.

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Posting on X, the DJ apologised to his followers, adding that he would be late to his Greatest Hits Radio show due to a broken down train.

Kay replaced Bruce on the BBC Radio 2 mid-morning weekday program in 2023.

‘Game-changing’ 6-in-1 cordless pressure washer now under £65 in early Amazon sale

Whether you’re cleaning the car or tidying up your patio, this 6-in-1 cordless pressure washer is set to be your new best friend – and right now, it’s got a whopping 40% off

‘Game-changing’ 6-in-1 cordless pressure washer now under £65 in Amazon sale(Image: Getty)

With Amazon Prime Day fast approaching, plenty of products have been sporting early discounts this week, including this 6-in-1 cordless pressure washer, which has been axed by a mega 40% ahead of next week’s deals.

This pressure washer is armed with a revolutionary infinite pressure control system, which allows users to easily adjust the water pressure with just the push of a button. The harder you press, the stronger the jet, giving you complete control over cleaning intensity, which is especially handy when giving the car a wash or tackling stubborn algae on decking or patios. Whether you need a gentle rinse or a powerful jet, this pressure washer allows for convenient and easy pressure adjustments that ensure convenience and versatility like no other model on the market.

READ MORE: ‘Elegant and fast-growing’ flamingo tree that adds colour to your patio is 50% off

READ MORE: ‘Very lightweight’ foldable table that can be ‘set up in minutes’ is a must-have for camping season

6-in-1 cordless pressure washer
Amazon slashes this 6-in-1 cordless pressure washer by £44(Image: Amazon)

Requipped with long-lasting dual 400mAh batteries, this cordless pressure washer promises uninterrupted power for a flexible clean, no matter where you’re aiming. The two high-performance batteries mean this pressure washer can deliver exceptional power and durability without the need for long power cords that get in the way or restrict its use. Paired with the brushless motor, this washer provides 50 to 70 minutes of runtime, depending on the pressure setting.

What’s more, this cordless power washer features a convenient 6-in-1 spray nozzle, allowing you to seamlessly switch between six different spray modes with a simple twist. Choose from 0°, 15°, 25°, and 40° angles, as well as foam and mist modes, to tackle any cleaning job from the garden to the driveway. Whether you’re blasting dirt from hard surfaces or gently rinsing delicate plants, the flexible nozzle ensures total control over the intensity and coverage, making every task quicker and more efficient.

Normally retailing for a steep £109, this cordless pressure washer is now available for the significantly reduced price of £64. 98 while this early Amazon Prime deal lasts.

With over 1000 bought in the last month according to Amazon’s tag, plenty of 5-star reviews sing the praises of this convenient cleaner. One thrilled customer says: “Definitely worth buying for time when there is no water supply and have to use buckets..only cleaned car but definitely a game change (still needed to put the extra work in when cleaning), snow former works and sprayed the car evenly,, have already recommended it to neighbours how seen how easy it was to assemble and use .. battery time shocked me the most was able to clean a big 7 seater car and still have changed left even tho I got the 2 batterys,, definitely recommend for people who have no water supply and thos who have caravans and boat as this is perfect but of kit to add.”

Another buyer beams: “Out-perform my expectations. Bought it for watering garden utilising rain water butt. Very easy to put together. Drop water filter end of the water hose down the water butt, it works like a treat. Well-designed and solidly built. It is not as powerful as those plugged-in ones, but it is very convenient. You only need this jet washer + a big water bucket which is full of water for your car wash, really handy if you do not have a sprinkler outside your house. Essential attachments are all included. Recommend! “

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And a third chimes in: “2 minutes to set up and did a brilliant job of cleaning up pigeon droppings from the decking. 2 buckets did the whole deck, which is massive. Another bucket and car clean. Light and powerful. “