Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant diplomatic move during his visit to Baku, offering to mediate peace negotiations in Azerbaijan Armenia Fight, despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. This visit, Putin’s first trip to Azerbaijan since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has reignited discussions on the enduring conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two former Soviet republics that have been engaged in a long-standing territorial dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Historical Context of the Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict
The Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, primarily centered around Nagorno-Karabakh, has roots dating back to the early 20th century. Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan, became the focus of a brutal war after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The conflict resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
A fragile ceasefire was brokered in 1994, leaving Nagorno-Karabakh under Armenian control. However, tensions continued to simmer, culminating in renewed violence in recent years. In 2020, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive, regaining large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict saw renewed hostilities in September 2023 when Azerbaijan launched another offensive, bringing an end to Armenian separatist rule in the region.
Russia’s Role as a Mediator
For decades, Russia has played the role of mediator between Azerbaijan and Armenia, given its historical ties to both countries as former Soviet states. Moscow had a vested interest in maintaining stability in the South Caucasus, a region strategically important due to its energy resources and proximity to the Caspian Sea. Russia’s involvement in the region has traditionally been seen as essential to ensuring peace, particularly through its influence over Armenia, which has long relied on Russia for military and economic support.
However, Russia’s position in the South Caucasus has been complicated in recent years. Since 2022, Moscow has been preoccupied with its war in Ukraine, which has diverted resources and attention away from other geopolitical concerns. At the same time, Armenia has grown increasingly disillusioned with Moscow, accusing Russia of failing to intervene when Azerbaijan launched its recent offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. In response, Armenia has sought to strengthen its ties with Western countries, moving away from its historical reliance on Russia.
Putin’s Visit to Baku: Reaffirming Russia’s Role
Putin’s visit to Baku was a significant move, aimed at reaffirming Russia’s role as a key player in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, despite its involvement in Ukraine. Speaking alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin expressed Russia’s continued commitment to mediating peace in Azerbaijan Armenia Fight.
“It is widely known that Russia is also facing crises, first of all on the Ukrainian track,” Putin stated during a press conference. “However, Russia’s historical involvement in the events in the South Caucasus, even during recent years, makes it necessary for us to participate where needed by the sides, without a doubt.”
Putin emphasized Russia’s willingness to facilitate a peace agreement between the two countries, signaling Moscow’s readiness to play a constructive role in bringing an end to decades of conflict. “If we can do something to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, we will be very happy to,” he said. Putin also revealed plans to contact Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan following his Baku visit to discuss the results of the negotiations.
The Changing Dynamics in the South Caucasus
The geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus have shifted dramatically in recent years. Azerbaijan, which has traditionally pursued a policy of independence from Moscow, has grown in regional significance, particularly due to its role as an energy supplier to the European Union. Azerbaijan’s victory in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023 further solidified its position as a key player in the region. President Aliyev, during his meeting with Putin, emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan-Russia cooperation for regional security.
“The new situation [since September] opens up new opportunities for establishing a lasting peace in the South Caucasus,” Aliyev said, underscoring the need for close collaboration between Baku and Moscow. Aliyev’s remarks point to the delicate balance Azerbaijan seeks to maintain between its relationships with Russia and other global powers, as it continues to navigate its role as a regional energy hub and political influencer.
The September offensive by Azerbaijan marked a decisive victory, ending three decades of Armenian separatist control over Nagorno-Karabakh. The offensive triggered a mass exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians from the region, fleeing out of fear of reprisals. The fall of Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijani forces has left Armenia in a vulnerable position, prompting Yerevan to reassess its alliances and seek new partners beyond Moscow.
Russia’s Challenges and Western Influence
Despite Russia’s historical role in mediating the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, the country’s influence in the region has waned due to its preoccupation with the war in Ukraine. Moscow’s decision not to intervene during Azerbaijan’s offensive in September has strained its relationship with Armenia, leading Yerevan to seek closer ties with Western countries such as the United States and the European Union. Armenia’s pivot towards the West has further complicated Russia’s role in the peace process, as Western powers have taken on a larger role in mediating the conflict.
The United States, in particular, has been increasingly active in the region, facilitating peace talks in Azerbaijan Armenia Fight. Washington has offered diplomatic support to Armenia and expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Peace in the South Caucasus
As Putin seeks to reassert Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus, the future of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process remains uncertain. While Russia’s offer to mediate peace talks is significant, it is unclear how much leverage Moscow still holds in the region, given Armenia’s growing disillusionment with its former ally and Azerbaijan’s increasing independence on the global stage.
Nevertheless, Putin’s visit to Baku signals Moscow’s determination to remain a key player in the region, even as Western powers continue to gain influence. The outcome of future peace negotiations will likely depend on the ability of all parties—Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, and the West—to find common ground and establish a framework for lasting peace.
The stakes are high for both Azerbaijan and Armenia. A sustainable peace agreement would bring an end to decades of violence and instability in the South Caucasus, allowing both countries to focus on economic development and regional cooperation. However, achieving this goal will require careful diplomacy, trust-building, and the willingness of all parties to compromise.
Conclusion
Putin’s offer to mediate peace in Azerbaijan Armenia Fight during his visit to Baku is a reminder of Russia’s historical role in the South Caucasus. Despite the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, Moscow remains committed to playing a role in stabilizing the region. However, the shifting geopolitical landscape and the increasing involvement of Western powers in the peace process complicate Russia’s position.
I have read some excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you put to make this kind of excellent informative website.