Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit to Azerbaijan marks a significant shift in alliances in the politically unstable Caucasus region. Despite Russia’s war in Ukraine and crisis involvement, Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to mediating peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Putin’s visit to Baku, his first since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Baku’s retaking of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave from ethnic Armenian separatists in September, highlights Russia’s historical role as a mediator between the two former Soviet republics. While Western powers have played a larger role in recent years, Putin emphasized Russia’s continued involvement in the region.
The recent conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh ended decades of Armenian separatist rule and strained relations between Armenia and Russia. Armenia accused Russia of inaction, leading Armenia to strengthen ties with Western countries. Azerbaijan’s campaign resulted in the displacement of over 100,000 Armenians from the region.
Putin’s meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev focused on joint initiatives, including the construction of small tankers to transport oil from the Caspian and Black Sea regions to the Mediterranean. Azerbaijan, a key energy supplier for the European Union, has had a largely independent policy from Moscow in the past.
After the talks, Putin expressed hope for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and pledged to update Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the negotiations. Aliyev emphasized the importance of close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia for regional security and highlighted the potential for lasting peace in the South Caucasus.
Overall, Putin’s visit signifies a potential realignment of alliances in the Caucasus region, with Russia reaffirming its role as a mediator while pursuing joint initiatives with Azerbaijan.
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