Baku, July 22, 2025 — Azerbaijan remains the leading country in the South Caucasus in terms of humanitarian and fuel assistance to Ukraine, according to political analyst Turan Rzayev.
Speaking to Metbuat.az, Rzayev emphasized that Azerbaijan’s support for Ukraine stems both from historical ties and from its own past as a country that experienced military occupation.
“This support is likely to continue in the future,” he said. “I believe Ukraine will never accept the occupation of its territories. The current conflict might be paused by a ceasefire agreement, but the issue will not be resolved permanently.”
Drawing a comparison with Azerbaijan’s own conflict with Armenia, Rzayev noted: “Azerbaijan rebuilt its military strength during a long ceasefire and, when the time was right, carried out operations to liberate its lands. Ukraine could do the same one day — especially if Russia weakens or its leadership becomes less resolute.”
Rzayev also highlighted that, as of today, full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity remains difficult, but not impossible. “The situation may seem stagnant now, but geopolitical shifts could create new opportunities in the future.”
He added that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach — advocating for a ceasefire — could help Ukraine regroup and prepare strategically for long-term recovery of its territories.
The analyst concluded by reaffirming that Azerbaijan’s solidarity with Ukraine is rooted in shared values and a mutual understanding of what it means to lose territory to occupation — a perspective that continues to shape Baku’s foreign policy stance in the ongoing conflict.
