Azerbaijan Emerges Victorious in Ukraine Conflict
Azerbaijan-Russia Meeting Marks 50th Anniversary of Soviet Railroad Project
When Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia met on April 22 at the Kremlin, the focus was not on current geopolitical issues but on a significant historical event – the 50th anniversary of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) railway construction project in the Russian Far East. The project, initiated in 1974 under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, who was the first deputy chairman of the Soviet Union’s Council of Ministers, was the centerpiece of the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
The celebration of the BAM project was seen as a nostalgic backdrop for the current Azerbaijan-Russia relationship, which has been evolving in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has had significant geopolitical repercussions in the Caucasus region, with Azerbaijan emerging as a key player due to its natural resources and strategic position.
The Ukraine conflict has highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan for both Europe and Russia, with the country’s energy resources and transit routes becoming vital in the changing economic landscape. Azerbaijan’s successful positioning in the aftermath of the conflict has increased its influence in the region, while Russia’s overextension in Ukraine has led to a decline in its authority in the Caucasus.
The meeting between Aliyev and Putin focused on economic ties and the development of trade routes, particularly the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC) that connects Russia to Iran through Azerbaijan. The INSTC project has gained momentum in light of Western sanctions against Russia, with both countries emphasizing the strategic importance of the corridor for regional development.
While Azerbaijan continues to support Russian involvement in the Zanggezur Corridor project, there are also indications that Baku may be seeking alternatives to Russian security arrangements. The changing dynamics in the region have prompted Azerbaijan to adopt a more strategic approach in balancing its relations with various partners, including Russia, Ukraine, and Western countries.
Overall, the Azerbaijan-Russia meeting highlighted the historical ties between the two countries and the evolving nature of their relationship in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. As both countries navigate shifts in regional dynamics, the focus on economic cooperation and transportation projects underscores the strategic importance of collaboration in the Caucasus region.
