During a visit to Baku, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to its historical role as a mediator in peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, despite Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This visit marked Putin’s first trip to Azerbaijan since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and since Azerbaijan’s September offensive, which recaptured the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave from ethnic Armenian separatists. Traditionally, Russia has played a key role in mediating conflicts between the two former Soviet republics. However, with Russia heavily engaged in Ukraine, Western powers have increasingly taken on a larger role in the South Caucasus.
“It is widely known that Russia is also facing crises, first of all on the Ukrainian track,” Putin remarked during a joint statement with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Monday. “However, Russia’s historical involvement in the events in the South Caucasus, even during recent years, makes it necessary for us to participate where needed by the sides, without a doubt.”
Azerbaijan’s recent military campaign ended three decades of Armenian separatist rule in Nagorno-Karabakh, straining relations between Armenia and its traditional ally, Russia. Armenia has accused Russia of inaction during the conflict and has since strengthened ties with Western countries. After Azerbaijan’s successful offensive, over 100,000 Armenians fled the region, fearing reprisals.
“If we can do something to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, … we will be very happy to,” Putin said, adding that he would contact Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan after his Baku visit to discuss the results of the negotiations.
Azerbaijani President Aliyev emphasized that regional security heavily relies on close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia. “The new situation [since September] opens up new opportunities for establishing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus,” Aliyev stated.
Following their discussions, Putin mentioned that the leaders talked about 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 to the European Union, has traditionally maintained a policy largely independent of Moscow.