Ukrainians Boycott Azerbaijani SOCAR Network

Ukrainians are declaring a boycott of the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR's network of gas stations, following the company's agreements to expand its partnership with Russian Gazprom. This has been reported by users on their social media pages.

It is noted that after Russian President Vladimir Putin's official visit to Azerbaijan, SOCAR and Gazprom agreed to expand their cooperation. The Azerbaijani SOCAR representative office in Ukraine was opened in 2008 and has 57 gas stations.

Earlier, it was reported that Russian Gazprom and Azerbaijani SOCAR companies had agreed to expand their strategic partnership in various sectors, according to Gazprom's press service. Alexey Miller, Chairman of Gazprom's Management Committee, stated that the mutually beneficial partnership between Gazprom and SOCAR is developing dynamically.

Miller announced in Baku, "This includes the North-South project and the signing of a comprehensive scientific and technical cooperation program this September." President Vladimir Putin was on a state visit to Azerbaijan from August 18-19.

Military and public figure Oleg Simaroz called on the people to boycott this network, stating, "I also urge Ukrainian businesses to terminate all contracts with this company."

Journalist and human rights activist Konstantin Roytskin remarked that cooperation between the Russian Federation and Azerbaijan was not unexpected.

Dmitry Tuzov, a host at New Voice radio station, also announced a boycott of SOCAR gas stations in Ukraine, saying, "I understand that the East is a sensitive issue. Perhaps behind these embraces lies some plan to counteract Russia's expansion in the region. Let's wait and see. Meanwhile, no penny for Azerbaijani SOCAR gas stations."

Ukrainian businessman Roman Pokrovsky is calling on Ukrainians not to refuel their vehicles at Azerbaijani SOCAR gas stations.