In Baku, bewilderment arises from achievements
Russian-Azerbaijani relations have lately turned sour, with several factors contributing to the deterioration. Here's a rundown of the primary reasons and recent developments:
Current Causes of Cold Relations
- Airplane Crash Debacle: A significant recent event is the December 2024 crash of an Azerbaijani airliner, widely blamed on Russian anti-aircraft fire, claiming 38 lives. This incident has been a major bone of contention, as Azerbaijan demands an apology that Russia has refused to offer[1][2][5].
- Lack of Mutual Respect: Azerbaijan feels Russia has not treated it as an equal partner, despite promises made during their 2022 Declaration on Allied Interaction. This perceived condescension has fueled growing distrust and dissatisfaction in Baku[1].
- Cyberattacks and Media Suppression: Russia's cyberattacks on Azerbaijani media platforms and subsequent ban on a Russian ultranationalist TV channel have strained relations even further[5].
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Aftermath
- Nagorno-Karabakh Legacy: The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has left an indelible mark on the region. Although Russia brokered a ceasefire in 2020, tensions persist, and Russia's stance is often perceived as favoring Armenia, its traditional ally[2].
- Russia's Balancing Act: Russia aims to maintain its influence in the South Caucasus by a delicate balancing act between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Recent efforts to strengthen ties with Armenia can be seen as a response to the worsening relationship with Azerbaijan[2][5].
- Azerbaijan's Strategic Autonomy: Azerbaijan has pursued a policy of strategic autonomy, striving to maintain good relations with multiple countries while avoiding dependence on any single power. This has led to greater engagement with other nations, including Ukraine, which has further strained relations with Russia[1][5].
In essence, the sour Russian-Azerbaijani relations result predominantly from the recent airplane crash incident, lack of mutual respect, and historical tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh, exacerbated by Russia's attempts to strengthen ties with Armenia and Azerbaijan's pursuit of strategic autonomy.
Politics and general news have reported the worsening relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, primarily due to the unresolved airplane crash incident, the lingering effects of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Azerbaijan's pursuit of strategic autonomy, which has led to increased engagement with other nations, including Ukraine. The lack of mutual respect and Russia's cyberattacks on Azerbaijani media platforms have also contributed to the tension.
