The rhetoric of Alijew, who was at Trump in the White House in August, signals a change in the Azerbaijan foreign policy course. The era of quiet obedience is coming to an end. Instead, there is an attitude of decisive resistance.
Speaking of the Russian aircraft was shot down, which was taken in December, Alijew expressed the “huge disappointment” by Russia and accused her of the authorities of deliberate misleading investigators.
It promises to be a new era in Russian-Azerbaijanian relations-this means less dependence, more friction and a stronger tone of narrative with resistance to Russian aggression. For Ukraine and West, this position is strategic.
Kyiv imports gas for the first time from the former Russian ally. Azerbaijan saves the Ukrainian economic and energy situation, which causes fury in the Kremlin.
Even in the unstable geopolitical situation of the southern Caucasus, the neighbors of the Russian Federation change political orientation. Azerbaijan, which he must balance in relations with the Kremlin, set a clear course, including to Turkey. Alijew's comments delivered on August 26 in an interview with Saudi television not only undermine Moscow's historical narrative, but also strongly resonate with today's Ukraine struggle with Russian imperialism.
For decades, Russia tried to present the expansion of the Soviet Union as a “voluntary Union” process. Alijew's statement destroys this facade, emphasizing that the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan – independent for only two years – was destroyed by the Bolshevik army.
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By describing this event as a “occupation”, Alijew places Azerbaijan in the same historical category as Ukraine and the Baltic States, which have lost their sovereignty as a result of Moscow's imperial aspirations.
A turning point in the relationships of Russia and Azerbaijan
According to Alijew, Russian airports are routinely sending an alarm signal during drone attacks, warning all planes to turn back. Two weeks before the disaster, which occurred in December, one of the Azeri aircraft received such a signal and turned back safely. However, during a terrible incident, no warning was sent until the plane was hit.
“The plane has been fired twice,” said Alijew.
Emergency Sitations of Kazakhstan / Anadol via Getty Images / Contributor / Getty Images
The place of the disaster, where on December 25, 2024 near the Kazakh city of Kazakh, Azerbaijanian airlines with 67 people on board crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau.
Roundup in Russia
Alijew also condemned what he called “unfounded attacks” on Azerbaijanów in Russia. As a result of the raid, two men were captured who were tortured and then suffered tragic death. Russian officials said they died of a heart attack.
“Even if they committed a crime 20 years ago, they are still people,” said Alijew. “It was an unprecedented act against our nation.”
Also in this case, Alijew, in an interview with the Saudi television station, Al Arabiya accused Moscow of obstructing the investigation, at the same time emphasizing that Azerbaijan reacts only “constructively and in accordance with the law”, but will never tolerate aggression or disrespect.
Alijew's statements have a significant meaning that goes beyond the southern Caucasus. Opening by condemning Russia's actions – past and present – the President of Azerbaijan strengthens the global narrative that Russia is an aggressive state that hides his violence behind lies and silence.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
