In Russia, a university professor insulted an Azerbaijani child based on her ethnicity

Yulia Volkova, a professor at Ural Federal University in Yekaterinburg, found herself at the center of a scandal over offensive remarks directed at an Azerbaijani child. After photos of her former student Rashad Agayev's family were published, she called his daughter "ugly" and made derogatory remarks about the appearance of children in Azerbaijani families.

The situation became public after a relative of the girl published a video detailing her health problems and her need for treatment. Her father, Rashad Agayev, confirmed that the professor had made similar statements before and demanded her dismissal, emphasizing that they had previously had a normal relationship. Volkova herself admitted she had made a mistake and did not intend to offend anyone.

The reaction from UrFU's leadership was immediate. Vice-Rector Alexander Ivanov declared his support for the professor's dismissal. Now Yulia Volkova must provide an official explanation, after which the case will be sent to the university's ethics committee for review.

Последние новости
Pashinyan Warns of the “Beginning of the End” for the EAEU
Politics
Pashinyan Warns of the “Beginning of the End” for the EAEU
29 July 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has warned that Russia’s restrictions on Armenian exports are calling into question the future of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), saying the dispute could mark “the beginning of the end” for the Moscow-led bloc if it is not resolved soon.
Nauru becomes the third country to withdraw recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Politics
Nauru becomes the third country to withdraw recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
29 July 2026

The Pacific island nation of Nauru has severed diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed entities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, effectively revoking its earlier recognition of their "independence." The Georgian Foreign Ministry announced the move.
Imam in Georgia Beaten After Speaking Turkish
Society
Imam in Georgia Beaten After Speaking Turkish
29 July 2026

An attack on the family of a Meskhetian Muslim in the southern Georgian town of Akhaltsikhe has raised questions about the police response. The victims say more than ten men assaulted the local mosque’s imam, Shevket Dvalidze, but only two suspects were detained and later released on bail. Human rights groups are calling for investigators to examine whether the attack was motivated by ethnic, linguistic and religious hatred.
Reporters Without Borders Calls Sentences Against Azerbaijani Journalists Politically Motivated
Human rights
Reporters Without Borders Calls Sentences Against Azerbaijani Journalists Politically Motivated
29 July 2026

The international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the sentences handed down to staff members of the Azerbaijani YouTube channel Toplum TV, describing them as further evidence of the persecution of independent journalists in the country.