Azerbaijan has accused Russian state media, specifically TASS, of “disrespecting and insulting” the country by using the Armenian name Stepanakert to refer to the capital of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The nation is demanding that the media use the official Azerbaijani name, Khank, instead. This incident has raised concerns about the potential for further diplomatic friction between Azerbaijan and Russia.
The naming dispute reflects the broader conflict over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, which has been a source of tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia for decades. The region, which is claimed by both countries, has been a flashpoint for conflict, with the most recent large-scale war occurring in 2020. Azerbaijan has long sought to reclaim the territory, which it considers part of its sovereign territory, while Armenia and its allies continue to support the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Analysts suggest that the incident highlights the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for further diplomatic tension between Azerbaijan and Russia. While Russia has historically maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, its close ties with both Azerbaijan and Armenia have led to speculation about its role in the dispute. The use of the Armenian name by TASS has been seen as a provocation, as it could be interpreted as an endorsement of Armenian claims over the region. This could have implications for the broader geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus region.
The incident has also sparked a debate within Azerbaijan about the importance of state media in shaping public perception of the conflict with Armenia. Some officials have called for greater efforts to promote Azerbaijani narratives and to counter what they perceive as Armenian propaganda. Others, however, have urged restraint, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia and other international actors. As tensions continue to mount, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains a critical issue in the region’s geopolitical landscape.