Azerbaijan has declared Russian State Duma member and former boxer Nikolay Valuev “persona non grata” following his offensive and threatening statements against the Azerbaijani state and people.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada stated that Valuev made unacceptable remarks while commenting on the closure of the “Russian House” cultural center in Baku. As a result, Azerbaijan has banned him from entering the country.

Hajizada also recalled that Russian lawmakers Konstantin Zatulin and Vitaly Milonov had previously been added to the “persona non grata” list for their statements against Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue to take legal action against individuals who threaten the country’s sovereignty.

The Azerbaijani government had earlier sent an official note to Russia regarding the closure of the “Russian House,” citing its lack of legal registration and violation of local regulations. Following this, Valuev made harsh statements against Azerbaijan.