(MENAFN- UkrinForm) This was stated by Emin Ahmedbekov, a political refugee and journalist from the opposition media outlet Turan-TV, in comments to a Ukrinform correspondent.

“There should be no illusions about deteriorating relations. One must understand that Azerbaijan and Russia, as long as Aliyev and Putin are in power, are inseparable states, two friendly regimes. First of all, because of the enormous financial assets the Aliyev family holds in Russia, which we estimate to be worth 10–12 billion euros. Add to that millions in real estate across Moscow and St. Petersburg, including numerous properties on Rublyovka, markets, restaurants, and more,” Ahmedbekov explained.

He believes that President Ilham Aliyev is neither seeking nor willing to enter into conflict with Putin. That is why no sanctions were imposed against Russia after it shot down an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane in December 2024.

“There were no sanctions, and there never will be. The two regimes cannot exist apart - they're too intertwined. Azerbaijan is also a key supplier of goods to Russia from Central Asia and China,” he added.

Ahmedbekov noted that Russian propaganda and Russification are promoted at the state level in Azerbaijan. While President Aliyev's approval rating has dropped from post-Karabakh war highs, it remains relatively strong.

“Let's say his rating has dropped to around 40%, mainly because of Azerbaijan's poor social conditions, despite the country's vast resources, which, unfortunately, belong to the ruling family. Today, all major Russian TV channels broadcast freely in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani propaganda system is closely aligned with Russia's. Newspapers are published in Russian, and the situation is worse than what Ukraine experienced before 2014. Because of this propaganda, I believe 30–40% of Azerbaijanis currently support Putin. Russian-language schools and universities dominate. Parents try to enroll their children in Russian-language programs, thinking it gives them better opportunities. Russian is prioritized across the country,” the Journalist added.

Ahmedbekov also emphasized that many Azerbaijanis support Ukraine in the war.

“These people truly want to see Russia gone. But the Azerbaijani government is driven solely by business interests. I regret that, in over 3.5 years of war, the Azerbaijani leadership has only sent medicine, generators, and fuel. But how many weapons has Azerbaijan sent to Ukraine? None,” he concluded.

Read also: Azerbaijan may strengthen cooperation with Ukraine amid tensions with Russia – exper

As Ukrinform previously reported, the killing of Azerbaijani citizens by Russian law enforcement in Yekaterinburg prompted Baku to enter a new, complicated stage of relations with Moscow, from which a return to previous dynamics now seems unlikely.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has formally demanded that Russian Ambassador Mikhail Yevdokimov ensure accountability for those responsible for the killings.

Photos provided by Emin Ahmedbekov

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