Two Russian figures, Mikhail Gusman and Sergey Markov, faced professional repercussions following their participation in a media forum in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on July 24.

Mikhail Gusman was dismissed from his position as the First Deputy Director General of the TASS news agency by a resolution signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Gusman's dismissal followed his attendance at the Shusha Media Forum, where Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was also present. During the event, Gusman reportedly asked President Aliyev how he successfully pursues a unique foreign policy that has caused controversy within some Russian political and media circles.

Additionally, Sergey Markov, a Russian political scientist and former Kremlin advisor, faced severe criticism from Russian nationalist and "Z" circles after his participation in the same forum. Markov had praised President Aliyev’s policy as "brilliant," which led to accusations of betrayal and treason from hardline nationalist groups. Following the backlash, he was removed from the list of strategic research staff associated with the Russian President.