Putin Visits Azerbaijan, Offers Mediation

During his two-day visit to Azerbaijan, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to mediating peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, despite the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. This marks Putin's first visit since Azerbaijan's military recapture of the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in September 2023, which strained Armenia's traditional ties with Russia. Putin emphasized Russia's historical involvement in the South Caucasus, stating, 'If we can do something to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia... we will be very happy to.' He plans to brief Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the outcomes of his discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The evolving geopolitical landscape has led Armenia to strengthen its ties with Western nations, raising questions about Russia's influence in the region. Aliyev noted that regional security relies heavily on cooperation with Russia, suggesting that new opportunities for lasting peace could arise from recent developments.