Putin Visits Azerbaijan to Bolster Economic Ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to Azerbaijan aims to strengthen economic ties and secure trade routes amid international sanctions on Russia. Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed initiatives including boosting cargo transport and constructing small oil tankers, with $120 million earmarked for cargo transport improvements. This visit underscores Azerbaijan's critical role as a transit country for Russia, particularly as Moscow faces strained relations with Armenia. Armenia has distanced itself from Russia following Moscow's failure to intervene during Azerbaijan's 2023 military campaign in Nagorno-Karabakh. The leaders also addressed the ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, with Putin expressing willingness to facilitate peace negotiations. The meeting highlights the shifting alliances in the politically unstable South Caucasus region, as Armenia seeks closer ties with the West.