Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
In fact, Ukrainian PM Volodomyr Zelenskyy is reportedly already discussing military cooperation with the traditional Russian ally.
In fact, Ukrainian PM Volodomyr Zelenskyy is reportedly already discussing military cooperation with the traditional Russian ally.
What is happening?
Azerbaijan is reportedly weighing a major policy shift that could see it supply Ukraine with military weapons.
The move would mark a significant departure from its current neutral stance, prompted by escalating Russian strikes on Azeri-linked infrastructure in Ukraine.
Moscow and Baku’s fraying ties
Azerbaijan and Russia were once considered close allies, but relations have cooled.
A series of Russian military actions targeting Azeri energy assets has increased tensions, pushing Baku to reevaluate its approach to the ongoing war.
Russian drones hit Azeri oil depot in Ukraine
On Friday, five Russian-launched Shahed drones struck a SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic) oil depot in Ukraine’s Odessa region.
The attack caused a major fire, damaged a diesel pipeline, and left four Azerbaijani workers seriously injured and hospitalized.
Second strike in two months on Azeri energy facilities
This latest strike follows a June attack near Orlivka, where Russian forces bombed a gas distribution station tied to the Trans-Balkan pipeline.
The pipeline began delivering Azeri gas to Ukraine after a recent bilateral energy deal.
Baku accuses Russia of “systematic” strikes
According to reports from Caliber.az, unnamed Azeri officials believe Moscow has been deliberately and repeatedly targeting Azerbaijan’s energy interests in Ukraine.
They warned that this could lead to a dramatic policy shift on weapons exports.
Zelenskyy and Aliyev discuss military cooperation
On Sunday, Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Ilham Aliyev spoke by phone.
The two leaders condemned the attacks and discussed enhancing cooperation—particularly in energy and potentially in defense.
Zelensky: “Deliberate attacks on our cooperation”
After the call, Zelensky publicly condemned Russia’s strikes, stating: “These are deliberate attacks not only on these facilities, but also on our cooperation.”
He emphasized both nations’ commitment to continue working together despite the setbacks.
Azerbaijan’s past support
Before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Azerbaijan had quietly supplied Kyiv with military equipment, including drones and armoured vehicles.
Since then, Baku has officially maintained a neutral stance and refrained from sending lethal aid.
Humanitarian efforts
Despite its neutrality in the war, Azerbaijan has provided more than US$40 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
This includes energy equipment, financial donations, and infrastructure support.
Will Baku break neutrality?
As Russian attacks on Azeri-linked infrastructure continue, pressure is mounting on Azerbaijan to reconsider its stance.
A potential shift in weapons policy would signal a bold realignment—and possibly bring new dimensions to the regional conflict.
