Azerbaijan Secretly Supplies Fighters to Ukraine, Defying Russia: Daily Express

Azerbaijan, which has long been considered one of Russia's allies, is reportedly secretly supplying fighters and gas to Ukraine, according to various sources. The two countries, which were once part of the Soviet Union and shared rich historical ties, have significantly drifted apart in recent years, writes Daily Express U.S.

Baku is trying to strengthen its control over the South Caucasus and limit Russia's influence in the region. To this end, Azerbaijan has deepened cooperation with Turkey, a country with which it has obvious cultural and historical similarities.

Moreover, this year, relations between Baku and Moscow sharply deteriorated following a tragic incident when an Azerbaijani passenger plane was accidentally shot down by Russian forces in Chechen airspace. The aircraft was forced to land in Kazakhstan, where it crashed, resulting in the deaths of 38 people. Following this, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that he intends to hold Russia accountable, especially after Vladimir Putin attempted to evade responsibility.

Additionally, during a meeting in Tajikistan aimed at easing relations, tensions between the parties have not diminished. Observers feel that instead of reconciliation, Aliyev is now doing everything possible to escalate his relationship with Putin.