Although Azerbaijan has demonstrated its humanitarian support for kyiv since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the West, which is fuelling the conflict and trying to drag all countries that do not follow its dictates into the quagmire, continues its biased attitude towards our country in this area as well.
In particular, the Ukrainian structures, which have come under the control of the West, have created an absurd hysteria by framing Azerbaijan’s normal neighbourly relations with Russia. The further intensification of this approach after the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan clearly demonstrates that the anti-Azerbaijani position is born out of personal prejudice. Because the demand of these circles is that Azerbaijan cuts off relations with Russia according to their dictates and unequivocally sides with Ukraine according to their dictates.
Imagine, Azerbaijan is accused of taking sides and is asked to take sides. That is, when the issue is the interests of the West, all values can be nullified. However, as mentioned above, Azerbaijan has not denied humanitarian aid to Ukraine or broken off its relations with Russia since the beginning of the war. Moreover, Azerbaijan at the highest level supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter, norms and principles of international law and said that every effort will be made to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
It is not for nothing that since the beginning of the war, Azerbaijan has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine worth more than 40 million dollars. In addition, it was reported that our country has implemented a program of medical and socio-psychological rehabilitation for children suffering from the conflict in Ukraine, and since the Restoration Conference held last year, a total of 154 children have participated in this program. One of the most important facts confirming that official Baku pursues an independent policy is that our country congratulates Ukraine at the highest level on Independence Day and talks are held in Baku with Vladimir Putin on the prospects for regional development. Even in the comments on these negotiations, the name of Ukraine is still mentioned, that is, it is noted that Azerbaijan is the most reliable dialogue environment for ending the conflict. But in the context of all this, what is the reason for accusing Azerbaijan?
Now let’s look at the attitude of Ukrainian political scientist Dmitry Gordon to this issue:
“Azerbaijan, like us, stood up to the occupation and was able to liberate its lands. We must follow their example in this regard. I want to go to Baku. I hope to be able to go there after the war.
Ilham Aliyev is a strong politician. For him, the interests of Azerbaijan are above all else. Azerbaijan openly supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
SOCAR is one of the largest taxpayers in Ukraine. This company has done a lot for Ukraine. If SOCAR signs a contract with Gazprom, this will be important from the point of view of Azerbaijan’s interests and we cannot interfere with Azerbaijan’s national interests. We just have to thank SOCAR and Azerbaijan for what they have done for Ukraine. And I say to the Ukrainians: calm down guys, they are helping us. Our state is well aware of the support Azerbaijan provides us.”
This statement is enough to show the difference between those who do not yet speak the language of the West in Ukraine and do not correctly analyse the processes, and those who speak the language of the West in an unobjective manner.
the topic Oku.AzA political scientist who evaluates Azad Masiyev He also recalled that Azerbaijan prefers a balanced policy in its foreign policy doctrine:
“Since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Azerbaijan has not taken sides. Baku has expanded its economic and political relations with both Moscow and Kiev, and this trend continues. We have provided sufficient humanitarian support to Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict. We recognize the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the war is peaceful. Moreover, Azerbaijan prefers the principle of peaceful coexistence with Russia and is interested in continuing this cooperation with this country.”
According to the expert, there are circles that do not accept Azerbaijan’s balanced policy:
“The West, especially the United States of America, does not accept this political approach of Azerbaijan and pressure is being exerted. However, this is not in our interest. In particular, Soros activists operating in Ukraine are jealous of the development of Azerbaijan-Russia, and by evaluating these relations as if they were on the side of Azerbaijan, they cast a shadow on Azerbaijani-Ukrainian relations, because almost all structures in Ukraine are already under the control of Soros.”
Our interviewer also mentioned the calls to boycott SOCAR in Ukraine:
“Giving the “green light” to such protests at the state level, first of all, casts a shadow over Azerbaijani-Ukrainian relations. However, this step is not in the interests of the Ukrainian people at all. In general, whatever you may think, Azerbaijan follows the principle of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors and maintains its policy of balance, considering it a strategic criterion in its foreign policy doctrine. Therefore, no one can speak to Azerbaijan in the language of pressure, and if they try, an appropriate response will be given.”
Political scientist Morning Mammadli also Oku.AzIn his statement, he said that Azerbaijan pursues an independent foreign policy and when implementing this policy, it first takes into account its own national and security interests:
“For example, the bilateral relations that Azerbaijan has established with Russia do not depend on other relations. That is, Azerbaijan has high-level relations with both Russia and Ukraine. As you know, Russia and Azerbaijan signed a Declaration on the alliance’s activities in 2022, and at the same time, our country and Ukraine Azerbaijan does not take any side in the Russian-Ukrainian war and does not provide political or military support to any of the warring parties. Moreover, after the start of the war in Ukraine, we have sent the necessary humanitarian aid, which is highly appreciated by Ukrainian officials.
At the same time, Azerbaijan respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of borders of all states, including Ukraine, and the Azerbaijani government and officials have repeatedly expressed their positions on this matter.
Merahim Nasib
