Vladimir Putin’s visit to Azerbaijan is part of a strategy to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the energy field.
As the European Union continues to diversify its natural gas supplies to reduce its dependence on Russia, Azerbaijan is emerging as a key supplier, helping to stabilize the continent’s energy needs.
Already closely integrated into the Southern European gas corridor, Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in European energy supplies, notably through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
Cooperation with Baku enables Moscow to maintain an indirect influence on European markets, while avoiding complete isolation in this strategic sector.
A complex geopolitical context
The energy aspect of this visit cannot be dissociated from the complex geopolitical context in which it is taking place.
The Caucasus, a region of strategic importance, remains a traditional zone of influence for Russia.
However, the recent conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has altered the balance, particularly following Baku’s recapture of the region in 2023.
This victory consolidated Azerbaijan’s position on the regional and world stage, while at the same time creating tensions with Armenia, a long-standing ally of Moscow.
Russia’s approach to the conflict was perceived as ambivalent, provoking criticism from Armenia, which is now seeking to strengthen its ties with Western powers.
Yerevan’s reorientation towards the United States and Europe complicates Russia’s task of safeguarding its interests in a region where Turkish and Western influences are growing stronger.
Managing Economic and Diplomatic Interests
Russia needs to navigate carefully to preserve its economic interests in a context where Azerbaijan is asserting itself as a key player in the energy market.
Bilateral cooperation in this field is essential for both countries, enabling Russia to maintain a strategic presence in the Caucasus while diversifying its commercial partners in the energy sector.
Azerbaijan, for its part, seeks to make the most of its position as an alternative supplier to Europe, while maintaining pragmatic relations with Moscow.
Putin’s visit aims to ensure that this relationship remains mutually beneficial, against a backdrop of growing regional rivalries.
The importance of these discussions goes beyond bilateral and energy considerations.
They are part of a broader dynamic, in which Russia is seeking to reassert its role in Eurasia while coping with an ever-changing international environment.
The outcome of this visit could have a lasting influence on relations between Moscow and Baku, as well as on the balance of power in the region.
