Mikhail Evdokimov, Russia’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, was summoned to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry following a series of high-profile statements made within the Russian media landscape. Baku stated that these remarks contained insults and threats directed at the country, its citizens, and its leadership.

The Azerbaijan Press Council has condemned reports in certain Russian media outlets that, according to the organization, contain insults and threats directed at the country, its citizens, its leadership, and prominent public figures.

Overnight into August 18, drones attacked several regions in southern Russia. Russian authorities reported that hundreds of drones were shot down but did not report any damage or casualties in the Rostov, Krasnodar, and Volgograd regions.

A Chechen man serving a 17-year prison sentence for allegedly preparing a terrorist attack faces a new disciplinary sanction shortly after spending five days in a punishment cell. His wife says he is being treated unfairly and fears he could be transferred to stricter prison conditions.