Ukrinform's guest is Yurii Husev, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Azerbaijan, who has extensive experience not only in diplomacy but also in a range of other government positions. Azerbaijan is an important and fascinating country, as is the South Caucasus region as a whole. We discuss why cooperation with Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus matters to Ukraine.

Ukrinform (UI): Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has visited Ukraine—the first visit by an Azerbaijani foreign minister since the full-scale war began. At the same time, President Zelensky had already visited Baku in April this year. Does this mean that the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan remains firmly on track?

Yurii Husev (YH): Absolutely. Azerbaijan, particularly since restoring its territorial integrity and sovereignty across its entire territory, has been playing an increasingly important role in the region. This is reflected in a number of major international events held there, including the COP29 climate conference in 2024 and, this year, the UN-sponsored World Urban Forum, as well as other major international events hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The historic visit by President Zelensky on April 25, 2026, which you mentioned, was another important step toward deepening the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan. During the visit, a number of important strategic documents were signed, and our Azerbaijani counterparts have also emphasized its significance.

As a follow-up to our President's visit, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov paid a successful visit to Ukraine a few days ago. His meetings with President Zelensky, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the senior leadership of the Office of the President, and other senior Ukrainian officials were important for discussing joint projects, initiatives, and concrete steps to deepen our partnership.

These efforts include expanding the Middle Corridor, which connects the South Caucasus and Central Asia with Europe. Ukraine's role in this project is extremely important.

In my view, cooperation across this region needs to be strengthened. The signing of a peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia at the White House last August, with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as the launch of the TRIPP corridor initiative (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), are significant developments that could transform the entire Black Sea–Caspian region.

UI: We will return to the “Trump route” later. For now, I would like to take a closer look at the importance of this region for Ukraine. The situation is complicated by the fact that Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia now find themselves caught between two fires: Russia on one side and Iran, amid the war in the Persian Gulf, on the other. This inevitably affects the positions of these countries and their relations with other states, including Ukraine.

At the same time, the Caucasus is a key transit corridor between Asia and Europe, which is what makes the region so important. But this also dictates certain rules of the game that, unfortunately, do not always work in our favor. In particular, none of the South Caucasus countries has joined the sanctions against Russia. None has provided military assistance to Ukraine. Yet all three have politically supported Ukraine's territorial integrity and the inviolability of its borders. How should we address this? How can Russian influence in the region be overcome?

YH: Indeed, that is the case. During one of his meetings in Kyiv, Minister Bayramov also emphasized that Azerbaijan is the only country in the world that shares borders with both Russia and Iran.

Naturally, this affects domestic and foreign developments in the region. For us, the fundamental principle is that Ukraine has always supported the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including during the periods when armed conflicts were taking place on Azerbaijani territory. In turn, Azerbaijan has always supported—and continues to support—the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

From the very first days of the full-scale war, Azerbaijan has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. As early as February 26, 2022, aircraft carrying humanitarian aid arrived in Ukraine. This assistance has continued ever since. This year, it has consisted primarily of energy equipment, which is urgently needed to restore our energy system following Russia's terrorist attacks.

Thus, the fundamental principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty opens up other opportunities, including for economic cooperation. And we are expanding our economic ties. For example, in the first six months of this year, trade between our countries increased by more than 11 percent compared with the same period last year, and there are significant prospects for further expanding economic cooperation.

This includes investment by Azerbaijani companies in the Ukrainian economy, as well as trade and the implementation of the priorities set by Volodymyr Zelensky following his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In this context, we can talk about agriculture and logistics, because the logistics links connecting Asia with European consumers serve as a bridge between the South Caucasus, Ukraine, and the Black Sea region. Clearly, such projects and transport routes need to be expanded.

UI: You mentioned Karabakh and the issue of territorial integrity, as well as Ukraine's position on this matter. The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War was also notable for Azerbaijan's first major and highly successful use of unmanned aircraft. Presumably, the Ukrainian Armed Forces studied and took this experience into account as well.

Yesterday, during Minister Bayramov's visit, he was shown what Ukraine is capable of in the field of unmanned systems. What was the Azerbaijani side's reaction to what they saw?

YH: The restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity during the 44-day war in 2020 was made possible by Azerbaijan's systematic preparations to regain control over Karabakh. That preparation and experience are extremely important for us.

This example should inspire us to believe that one day we will return Ukrainian state flags to government buildings in Sevastopol, Simferopol, Donetsk, Luhansk, and other cities and regions that are still temporarily occupied by Russia.

At the same time, our Armed Forces have indeed studied the experience of the 44-day war, including Azerbaijan's use of unmanned systems. In this regard, the Shusha operation is particularly important—both the way it was planned and the way it was carried out.

During Jeyhun Bayramov's visit, Andrii Sybiha showed him an exhibition of modern weapons systems manufactured in Ukraine. This is certainly of interest not only to Azerbaijan. Today, Ukraine's experience in innovation and unmanned systems—not only aerial, but also ground and maritime—is unique.

In particular, we discussed unmanned maritime systems, because the Caspian Sea is shared by Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran. In turn, security in the Caspian basin affects the security situation in the Black Sea region. Naturally, these issues were also discussed.

I remember how, at the ADEX arms exhibition in Azerbaijan two years ago, President Ilham Aliyev approached the Ukrainian stand and expressed his admiration for the heroism of Ukrainian servicemen and the development of Ukrainian technologies that enable us to defend our land against the aggressor's army.

UI: In light of the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, I would like to ask about the reintegration of Karabakh. Have you had a chance to visit the region?

YH: Of course. I have visited the Karabakh region six or seven times already. I have been there both as part of official delegations and at the invitation of the administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and I have also traveled there with my family.

What you see there is impressive. There is tremendous momentum behind the implementation of infrastructure projects—roads, tunnels, and bridges. Housing construction for people returning to their cities is progressing at a rapid pace. The process is ongoing and is being planned very carefully to ensure that returning residents have jobs and all the conditions they need for a decent life.

Today, cities such as Shusha, Lachin, and Aghdam are essentially acquiring a new face and a new lease on life.

During the visit, Minister Bayramov and I visited Irpin, our heroic city, which Azerbaijan is helping to rebuild. Azerbaijan's SOCAR financed the reconstruction of a clinic in Irpin, as well as a school named after Zarifa Aliyeva, the wife of Heydar Aliyev. Several years ago, Irpin and the city of Lachin in Karabakh became sister cities. An Irpin delegation visited Azerbaijan this year and met with its partners from Lachin.

Azerbaijan's experience in reconstruction, infrastructure development, and the implementation of comprehensive recovery programs is therefore also valuable to us. During the visit, we discussed new projects that Azerbaijani partners will implement together with the Irpin City Council, including an arts center and several other social facilities. This is extremely important and is another manifestation of the solidarity and strategic partnership between our countries.

UI: Now let's turn to the economy and energy. Azerbaijan's foreign trade is largely driven by oil and gas.

YH: Azerbaijan supplies most of its gas to the countries of the European Union. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan emphasized that, in terms of both the volume of supplies and the number of countries to which it exports pipeline gas, Azerbaijan ranks first.

Last year, we concluded and implemented a contract for the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine via the Trans-Balkan Corridor, with the first cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas reaching Ukraine along this route.

This is extremely important for us. During the visit, we also discussed joint initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe's energy independence, including the use of Ukraine's underground gas storage facilities. These could play an important role in Europe's energy security by providing gas storage capacity. During periods of peak demand and consumption in Central and Eastern Europe, the gas could then be supplied from Ukraine's underground storage facilities. This would contribute to greater energy independence and diversification of energy supplies.

This work is being carried out by Naftogaz of Ukraine and SOCAR. Energy cooperation between our countries is therefore one of the priorities emphasized by President Zelensky.

As for our trade relations with Azerbaijan, I would like to stress that when it comes to oil and gas, this is not a matter for the future—it is already happening. As I mentioned, the first shipment of Azerbaijani gas was delivered to Ukraine last year, and this cooperation is continuing.

During the first six months of this year, oil and petroleum products accounted for the largest share of Ukraine's imports from Azerbaijan, totaling almost $60 million. Energy cooperation is important not only for Ukraine but also for Europe, particularly in terms of strengthening energy security and diversifying energy supply sources.

UI: Now, regarding sanctions and “gray imports” into Russia. I don't know whether this applies to Azerbaijan, but Armenia has faced numerous allegations in this regard, and, more broadly, there has been a flow of illicit imports to Russia through the Caucasus. Is this also the case with Azerbaijan?

YH: No, this does not apply to Azerbaijan at all. When analyzing bilateral trade, we do not see any spikes in particular import categories of the kind observed in other countries, where an unnatural increase in exports to Russia may indicate illicit re-exports intended to meet the needs of the aggressor state.

As for Russian oil, our position is well known and clear: countries that purchase Russian oil are thereby financing the war against our country. Therefore, sanctions against Russia must be strengthened to prevent the Russian Federation from continuing its criminal war against Ukraine.

UI: Now let's talk a little about security. For some time, Russia maintained a military presence in all three South Caucasus countries, including Azerbaijan. In particular, this was one of the elements of the arrangements reached following the 44-day war in 2020. Russian troops remain in Armenia, while in Georgia, following the 2008 war, Russia established two quasi-states where it maintains military contingents. What is the situation in Azerbaijan now? Have all the “peacekeepers” been kicked out?

YH: In 2024, the last Russian serviceman left the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijan is pursuing a fully independent foreign policy and developing mutually beneficial military-technical cooperation with the countries it deems appropriate. President Aliyev consistently emphasizes this in our meetings.

Certainly, Russia's influence in the region, particularly following the 44-day war and especially after the peace declaration was signed at the White House last year, is rapidly diminishing. At the same time, the opening of new transport routes, including the route that bears Trump's name, the implementation of infrastructure projects, and growing investment in the region from the United States and European countries all suggest that Azerbaijan is increasingly aligning its programs and projects with its Western partners.

A recent example is the visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Baku and the signing of strategic plans through 2030. Their implementation will help expand transport capacity and advance energy projects of interest to Europe, as well as deepen cooperation in a number of other areas across the South Caucasus.

UI: It would be interesting to hear more about the “Trump route.” It is a very important project, but presumably the war in Iran has affected it. What is the situation now?

YH: The main goal of this initiative is to expand the capacity of the Middle Corridor. As we have already mentioned, Azerbaijan has a unique geographic location between two countries under sanctions—Russia and Iran. Expanding Azerbaijan's transit capacity and logistics links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus and onward to the Black Sea region will create opportunities to increase trade, supply energy resources, and implement digital projects.

One such project currently being implemented with the participation of Azerbaijani companies is Digital Bridge. Essentially, it is a subsea cable that will connect Europe and the South Caucasus across the Black Sea, with Ukraine also participating in the project.

The war in Iran has heightened the need for these alternatives, as it has disrupted a number of logistics routes. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is a clear illustration of this. Therefore, expanding the Middle Corridor, opening the Zangezur Corridor, and developing other routes linking Central Asia with the Caspian and Black Sea regions will create greater opportunities for investment, job creation, and trade.

UI: Has the design phase been completed? Have construction works already begun on the ground, or not yet?

YH: As far as I know from my Azerbaijani colleagues, work is actively underway, including construction on the ground. To be frank, I have not visited any of the sites myself, so I cannot confirm this firsthand. But there is no doubt that this is a project to which Azerbaijan attaches particular importance.

UI: Heydar Aliyev once described Azerbaijan and Turkey as “one nation, two states.” This is the official position of both countries. Clearly, this is one of the key international factors for Azerbaijan, but not only for Azerbaijan—for the neighboring countries of the South Caucasus as well. What is Turkey's role in the region now?

YH: In this context, I would speak not only about Turkey but also about the Organization of Turkic States, which is taking on new significance. Ukraine, incidentally, is also interested in this form of cooperation, because the Crimean Tatar people of Ukraine are a Turkic people. For us, therefore, the development of the Organization of Turkic States' agenda and cooperation within the organization are of great importance.

Azerbaijan indeed has an allied relationship with Turkey. At the same time, as I have already said, Azerbaijan pursues an independent foreign policy, building mutually beneficial relations and partnerships with the countries it considers appropriate. For example, while maintaining its alliance with Turkey, Azerbaijan is also expanding and developing mutually beneficial relations with Israel. Azerbaijan has its own approach to bilateral relations with Iran and maintains close ties with the countries of Central Asia.

I therefore believe that Azerbaijan's experience, particularly following the restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty throughout the Republic of Azerbaijan, deserves closer study.

UI: Since we’re speaking at a news agency, I can’t leave the information space out of our discussion.” First, were the so-called Russian media expelled from Azerbaijan along with the pseudo-peacekeepers? And second, is there a Ukrainian presence in Azerbaijan's information space?

YH: I am very pleased to be here today at Ukrinform, Ukraine's national news agency, and to talk about a region that is extremely important to us.

In Azerbaijan, decisive measures were taken to shut down the Russian House and other organizations that had been operating illegally under various pretexts.

At the same time, I am proud to say that in 2024 we restored and relaunched the Ukrainian Center, which promotes the Ukrainian language, literature, and history in Azerbaijan and implements humanitarian projects and initiatives.

In this context, I believe it would be worthwhile to consider opening a Ukrinform bureau in Azerbaijan, or at least sending a Ukrinform correspondent to the region in the near future. We are extremely interested in this. Moreover, Azerbaijani news agency correspondents are working in Ukraine.

For us, it is important to maintain a continuous presence in the information space, not only through embassy briefings and press releases, but also through the direct involvement of Ukrainian news agencies. After all, Baku is not merely the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan; it is also a hub providing access to the countries of Central Asia, other South Caucasus states, and the Organization of Turkic States.

UI: One could even go further: since Nobel's time, Baku has also been one of the world's oil capitals.

YH: Absolutely. Azerbaijanis proudly point out that part of the fortune that endowed the Nobel Foundation, which funds the Nobel Prizes, was earned in Baku, on the Caspian Sea. This once again confirms the importance of this region not only for Europe but for the entire world.

UI: Oil, gas, trade, prospects, strategic partnership—all of this is extremely important. But in my view, our greatest asset is the friendship between the Azerbaijani and Ukrainian peoples. Azerbaijanis are now fighting alongside our defenders on the front lines. Some are ethnic Azerbaijanis who have lived in Ukraine for many years, while others are citizens of Azerbaijan. Sadly, there have also been casualties among them. I understand that there is a Memorial Wall in Baku dedicated to the defenders of Ukraine.

YH: Yes, the Wall of Remembrance was an initiative of the embassy. It stands at the entrance to the Embassy of Ukraine. Whenever we hold Ukrainian celebrations or commemorative events, we bow our heads before the portraits of those who gave their lives for the Ukrainian state and Ukraine's independence.

Likewise, every January, as we commemorate the events of January 20, 1990—Black January—in Baku, we visit the Alley of Martyrs and make a special point of stopping at the grave of Viktor Seryogin, a Ukrainian pilot who rescued people during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, died heroically, and was posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan.

In a tragic twist of fate, in 2022, his family—his wife and daughter, who lived in Kharkiv, Viktor Seryogin's hometown—fled the war and came to Azerbaijan. As the family of a National Hero of Azerbaijan, they were provided with housing by the Azerbaijani state, which continues to support them in every way. For us, this is yet another testament to the genuine friendship between our peoples.

On the occasion of this interview, I would like to thank Azerbaijan for the humanitarian assistance it provides—not only through the government but also through its people. Last winter, people brought generators to the embassy, which we then delivered to Ukraine. They supported us not only with words, although words are immensely valuable as well.

More than 700 children from different parts of Ukraine have visited Azerbaijan for rest and rehabilitation. One of the most recent groups came from Mariupol. These were children who survived the occupation, fled temporarily occupied Mariupol, and were given the opportunity to visit Azerbaijan. We receive many such groups every year, and their number continues to grow.

Over the past year—and this is particularly important to me—ten Ukrainian veterans and servicemen who endured the horrors of Russian captivity have traveled to Azerbaijan, where they received medical treatment and rehabilitation. I am deeply and sincerely grateful to both the Azerbaijani authorities and the Azerbaijani people for this support.

Ihor Dolhov led this conversation

Watch the conversation in full on the Ukrinform YouTube channel

Photos by Kyrylo Chubotin / Ukrinform