Putin in Baku offers to mediate Azerbaijan-Armenia peace deal

BAKU

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on a two-day visit to Baku, reasserted Moscow's commitment to mediating peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, despite Russia's ongoing Ukraine campaign.

"It is widely known that Russia is also facing crises, first of all on the Ukrainian track," Putin said in joint remarks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. "However, Russia's historical involvement in the events in the South Caucasus, even during the recent years, makes it necessary for us to participate where needed by the sides, without a doubt."

This marks Putin's first visit to the oil-rich country since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Azerbaijan's recapture of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in September 2023. Russia has traditionally mediated between the Caucasus rivals but has been preoccupied with its Ukraine campaign for the past two years, allowing Western powers to play an increasing role in arbitration.

Putin expressed Russia's willingness to facilitate a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stating, "If we can do something to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia... we will be very happy to." He added that he plans to contact Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan after his Baku visit to discuss the results of his negotiations with Aliyev.

Aliyev emphasized that the region's security largely depends on close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia. "The new situation (since September last year) opens up new opportunities for establishing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus," he said.

The recapture of Karabakh by Azerbaijan in September 2023 led to the exodus of the enclave's entire ethnic Armenian population, numbering over 100,000 people. This development has strained relations between Armenia and its traditional ally, Russia, with Armenia accusing Moscow of inaction and subsequently strengthening ties with Western countries.

Despite these challenges, Putin's visit and statements underscore Russia's determination to maintain its influential role in the region, balancing its commitments in Ukraine with its longstanding involvement in Caucasus affairs.

In addition, Putin praised the development of Baku, describing the city as evolving into a "trade oasis" in the region.

Discussing bilateral cooperation, Putin acknowledged that the trade turnover between Russia and Azerbaijan has yet to reach its full potential.

Aliyev, for his part, emphasized that the Declaration on Allied Cooperation, signed by Azerbaijan and Russia in February 2022, has been successfully implemented across political and economic sectors, contributing positively to the partnership.