BAKU, July 22, 2025 — As the war in Ukraine continues to reshape global alliances, Azerbaijan finds itself in a delicate position — balancing longstanding ties with Russia while reaffirming its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently stated that Moscow acknowledges its differences with Baku on the issue but hopes these will not disrupt the broader relationship between the two countries.
Political analyst Turan Rzayev, speaking to Metbuat.az, said Azerbaijan’s position is rooted firmly in international law. “Azerbaijan is not taking sides based on alliances or emotions. It stands for international norms — and right now, those norms demand a stance against territorial occupation,” he noted.
President Ilham Aliyev has been clear on this front. During a recent forum in Shusha, he stated, “The Ukrainian people would never accept occupation.” This echoes similar remarks he made in prior years, reinforcing Baku’s consistent message: Russia has occupied roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory, and Azerbaijan — itself a nation once under occupation — cannot politically or morally support such actions.
Rzayev clarified that this stance is not a sign of deteriorating ties with Moscow. “This is not about growing tensions with Russia. Azerbaijan has maintained its balanced foreign policy, refraining from joining Western sanctions or political pressures against Russia,” he said. “But yes, given the evolving political landscape, Azerbaijan’s support for Ukraine appears more pronounced.”
The analyst recalled that Azerbaijan has previously sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including free fuel, medicine, and medical supplies — long before the latest developments.
“So the perception of Baku ‘shifting’ toward Ukraine is not new; it’s simply more visible now.”
Addressing narratives that suggest Azerbaijan is siding with Russia, Rzayev was unequivocal: “Balancing interests does not mean supporting an aggressor. Azerbaijan distinguishes clearly between the aggressor and the victim. President Aliyev’s recent remarks only reconfirm a longstanding policy.”
He also criticized attempts by domestic opposition groups and foreign actors to paint Azerbaijan as pro-Russian: “These efforts ignore reality. The facts are clear to anyone observing the situation closely.”
In summary, Azerbaijan maintains a carefully balanced position — rejecting aggression, supporting sovereignty, and prioritizing its own strategic interests in a complex geopolitical environment.
