Russia is retaliating against Azerbaijan‘s independent policies by targeting its oil and gas infrastructure in ukraine, an expert suggests.
Recent moves by Azerbaijan have put it on a collision course wiht Russia, sparking retaliatory strikes and potential future sabotage.
- Russia has targeted Azerbaijan’s energy infrastructure in Ukraine following Baku’s independent policy shifts.
- Attacks on SOCAR facilities and a gas compressor station are seen as acts of revenge for Azerbaijan’s closer ties with Ukraine and the West.
- Hidden sabotage in the Caspian Sea is a potential future threat from Russia against Azerbaijan’s vital oil and gas operations.
- Azerbaijan is strengthening its position with Turkish support and recent diplomatic engagement with the U.S.
MOSCOW – Russia has escalated its actions against azerbaijan, striking energy facilities in Ukraine following Baku’s move towards a more independent foreign policy. These attacks, targeting a gas transmission system object and a SOCAR oil depot in the Odesa region, are viewed as a direct response to Azerbaijan’s growing assertiveness on the global stage.
In July,Azerbaijan’s state-owned company SOCAR began supplying natural gas to Ukraine via a route thru Southern Europe. This progress, coupled with a peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia signed in early August in Washington, with U.S. President donald Trump present, signaled a meaningful diplomatic shift in a region traditionally under Moscow’s influence.
When asked about further Russian actions against SOCAR in Ukraine, Gonchar suggested attacks on the company’s media assets could be a possibility.
Azerbaijan’s Stance and Future Cooperation
Azerbaijan currently feels strategically strong, bolstered by Turkish support and perceived backing from the United States following the peace declaration signing.The American company ExxonMobil’s interest in azerbaijan’s undeveloped “Karabakh” gas field further solidifies Baku’s position.
While Azerbaijan initiated a policy independent of Russia, a strategic relations declaration signed in 2022 remains a point of nuance. However, Baku’s actions indicate a clear move away from Russian influence.
The potential for deeper cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine is uncertain. Azerbaijan has made symbolic gestures, including allocating $2 million for Ukraine’s energy sector and hinting at providing weapons if attacks continue. However, Azerbaijan is not positioned to offer substantial military aid.Gonchar emphasized that Baku will carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages, considering the risks to its own vulnerable Caspian Sea energy infrastructure.
