In an effort to ease growing tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have expressed a desire to move past their recent disagreements. The Kremlin announced that the two leaders are working to ‘turn the page’ on their relationship, signaling a potential shift in the geopolitical dynamic of the South Caucasus region. The initiative comes after a period of strained relations, which were partly fueled by a dispute over the downing of an Azerbaijani Airlines plane in December 2024. This incident marked a significant escalation in the already tense relationship, as Azerbaijan accused Russia of being responsible for the crash.
While the exact details of the reconciliation efforts remain unclear, the Kremlin has emphasized that both leaders are committed to finding a resolution that benefits mutual interests. Analysts suggest that the reset in Russia-Azerbaijan relations could have implications for regional stability, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, which has been a flashpoint for tension between the two nations. The decision to seek a thaw in relations may also be influenced by broader geopolitical considerations, including the evolving dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war and the broader international response to Russian actions in the region. As both nations navigate this new phase of their relationship, the international community will be closely watching to see if this development translates into tangible progress or if the underlying tensions will persist.