The Russian Foreign Ministry accuses foreign forces of trying to undermine relations with Azerbaijan amid the arrest of Russian journalists and citizens.

Russia's Foreign Ministry says there are forces trying to destroy ties between Moscow and Baku, stressing the importance of bilateral relations. The statement comes amid rising tensions after the arrest of two Russian journalists in Baku and 15 other Russian citizens on suspicion of drug trafficking and cybercrime. The ministry says the journalists' arrests are unrelated to their professional activities.