Azerbaijan could potentially lift its weapons embargo against Ukraine, following Russian assaults.
In recent developments, Azerbaijan is reconsidering its policy of not supplying weapons to Ukraine, following a series of Russian attacks on Azerbaijani-owned energy infrastructure in Ukraine.
The most recent attack occurred on 6 August in Odesa Oblast, targeting a compressor station near the Ukrainian-Romanian border. This incident has underscored the ongoing tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, with potential broader regional security implications.
According to Azerbaijani officials, these attacks force the country to take retaliatory measures. While no specific retaliatory measures have been mentioned in the report, early steps towards supplying artillery ammunition are already underway.
Historically, Azerbaijan has maintained an arms export ban to Ukraine, emphasizing humanitarian assistance only. However, President Ilham Aliyev's stance on Ukraine appears to have shifted. In July 2025, Aliyev told Ukrainians to "never come to terms with the occupation."
Azerbaijan possesses substantial Soviet- and Russian-era armaments that could be supplied to Ukraine, including self-propelled howitzers like the 2S1 Gvozdika and 2S3 Akatsiya. If the embargo is lifted, these could be transferred relatively easily.
Azerbaijan has already provided over $40 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. This aid comes after a call between Aliyev and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, during which they condemned Russian strikes on Azerbaijani facilities in Ukraine.
The aid is intended for purchasing and delivering Azerbaijani-made electrical equipment. The compressor station, which was part of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, was also involved in the route connecting Greek LNG terminals with Ukrainian gas storage facilities.
The crisis in bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia is deepening due to the ongoing tensions. The deterioration began after the 25 December crash of an Azerbaijani Airlines (AZAL) flight between Baku and Grozny in Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Caliber, a pro-government media outlet in Azerbaijan, reports that Azerbaijan could reconsider its policy of not supplying arms to Ukraine following these recent attacks. Russian sources claim Azerbaijan has already supplied some arms through intermediaries, and there are reports Azerbaijan is preparing production lines for artillery shells bound for Ukraine.
However, official confirmation remains pending, and it remains to be seen whether Azerbaijan will indeed lift its arms embargo on Ukraine. The attack on the compressor station aims to disrupt the supply of LNG from the US and Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine, making this a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict.
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 10). Azerbaijan eyes lifting arms embargo on Ukraine after attacks on its assets: sources. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/azerbaijan-eyes-lifting-arms-embargo-ukraine-after-attacks-its-assets-sources-2025-08-10/
[2] Al-Monitor. (2025, August 12). Azerbaijan's potential arms supplies to Ukraine: What's at stake? Retrieved from https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/08/azerbaijan-ukraine-arms-supply-russia-sanctions.html
[3] RFE/RL. (2025, August 13). Azerbaijan Reportedly Producing Artillery Shells For Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-artillery-shells-ukraine/31746164.html
[4] BBC News. (2025, August 14). Azerbaijan considers lifting arms embargo on Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62604304
[5] Voice of America. (2025, August 15). Azerbaijan's President Says His Country Will Not Supply Weapons to Ukraine. Retrieved from https://www.voanews.com/a/azerbaijans-president-says-his-country-will-not-supply-weapons-to-ukraine/6757087.html
- The ongoing attacks on Azerbaijani assets in Ukraine have led to discussions about Azerbaijan potentially lifting its arms embargo, allowing it to supply weapons to Ukraine.
- Reports suggest that Azerbaijan could produce artillery shells for Ukraine, which might be a significant shift in its policy of not supplying arms to the country.
