Many countries establish cultural representations in other states with a clear goal: to promote their nation, showcase its history, culture, and modern achievements. Theoretically, “Russian Houses” — a project of the Russian Cooperation Agency (Rossotrudnichestvo) — are created for the same purpose. There’s such an office in Baku too. However, the problem lies in the fact that, in practice, “Russian Houses,” like other structures of Rossotrudnichestvo, are involved not only in promoting Russian culture but also in outright espionage.

Russian House in Baku is the spies’ house, and vice versa