Azerbaijan’s top envoy makes first wartime trip to Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky meets Azerbaijan’s foreign minister in Ukraine

According to Рубрика — Політика: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has hosted Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov for talks covering defense, economic cooperation, and humanitarian assistance. Bayramov’s visit is the first by an Azerbaijani foreign minister since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. It highlights Kyiv’s efforts to broaden support in the Caucasus as the war grinds on.

During the meeting, Zelensky thanked Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev for their backing of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for energy aid and humanitarian support. He also briefed Bayramov on conditions in Ukraine, including ongoing Russian shelling, the situation in the Black Sea, and Moscow’s blockade of grain corridors. The two also talked about Ukraine’s countermeasures to Russian attacks and public sentiment inside Russia.

For his part, Bayramov voiced solidarity with Ukrainians and recounted what he saw in Irpin, where he visited a school, a hospital, and a rehabilitation center supported by Azerbaijan. Defense ties were on the agenda as well, specifically a drone-related agreement between the two countries.

Economic ties and continued aid

The officials also addressed economic cooperation in energy, oil and gas, and agriculture, reviewing progress on agreements made during Zelensky’s earlier trip to Azerbaijan. Bayramov promised ongoing humanitarian support and deeper bilateral ties, stressing:

"You can fully rely on us and our political support. And, as you well know, Mr. President, we are quite vocal and direct when it comes to full solidarity, Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders." Jeyhun Bayramov

The conversation underscored the strength of the Ukraine-Azerbaijan partnership in defense, economic, and humanitarian matters, especially amid the challenges of Russia’s war. Azerbaijan continues to stand with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, laying the groundwork for stronger bilateral ties in a volatile global environment.

As Azerbaijan strengthens its diplomatic ties with Ukraine, the importance of ongoing discussions becomes evident. In a related development, the Azerbaijani foreign minister's visit paves the way for further collaboration, particularly in defense and economic sectors. For more insights on the evolving situation and diplomatic efforts, see our coverage on Azerbaijan's top diplomat's discussions in Kyiv.