Yurii Husev, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Azerbaijan
Russia's Influence in Azerbaijan Is Rapidly Declining
Ambassador Yurii Husev, Ukraine's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, emphasized that Azerbaijan's strategic partnership with Ukraine remains strong despite geopolitical challenges. Azerbaijan has become a significant player in the South Caucasus region, hosting major international events like the COP29 climate conference and the UN-sponsored World Urban Forum. President Zelensky's historic April 2026 visit to Baku marked another step toward deepening the partnership, leading to the signing of strategic documents.
Azerbaijan's role in the Middle Corridor, connecting South Caucasus and Central Asia with Europe, is crucial. Cooperation in this region is vital for Ukraine, particularly in the face of tensions between Russia, Iran, and Armenia. The Caucasus serves as a key transit corridor between Asia and Europe, making it strategically important for Ukraine. Despite Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia being caught between Russia and Iran, the region remains crucial for Ukraine's interests.
Azerbaijan's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty has been consistent throughout the full-scale war. Azerbaijan provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine since February 2022, primarily through energy equipment shipments to restore the energy system damaged by Russian attacks. This aid has continued, reinforcing the principle of territorial integrity and fostering economic ties.
Trade between the two countries grew by over 11% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, with prospects for further expansion in agriculture, logistics, and investment.
Written by urgent.news from Ukrinform - Politics's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
