Russian media’s loudest voices—propagandists like Sergey Mardan and Vladimir Solovyov—have unleashed another wave of hostile rhetoric against Azerbaijan and its leadership. Behind the noise lies a deeper question: why is Russia struggling to digest Azerbaijan’s diplomatic and economic successes?
A Narrative of Frustration
According to political analyst Ilgar Velizade, who talked to Oxu.Az, these attacks are not surprising. For years, certain Russian commentators have maintained a rigid anti-Azerbaijan stance, spreading disinformation and amplifying narratives aligned with Armenian interests.
“This isn’t just about Mardan and Solovyov,” Velizade explains. “Many figures within Russia’s political elite share these sentiments. Their frustration grows as Azerbaijan strengthens its sovereignty and influence.”
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The Core Problem: Independence
Azerbaijan’s ability to pursue an independent foreign policy and achieve strategic victories represents an ideological threat to Russia’s imperial mindset. For Moscow, the collapse of the USSR remains a “catastrophe.” For former Soviet republics like Azerbaijan, it was a historic opportunity for freedom and state-building.
“Russia still views the post-Soviet space as its backyard,” says Velizade. “But countries like Azerbaijan reject that narrative.”
Different Worlds, Different Values
The divergence is clear: Azerbaijan’s modern national ideology clashes with Russia’s neo-imperial ambitions. This is why Kremlin-aligned media turns Azerbaijan’s achievements into targets of smear campaigns.
Bottom line: If Moscow truly wants stability, it should abandon interference and respect the sovereignty of its neighbors. Until then, the likes of Mardan and Solovyov will keep shouting from the screens—but their outrage only underscores how much the balance of power has shifted in the South Caucasus.
