Azerbaijan and Ukraine: A Strategic Partnership Grows Stronger in 2025

10 September 2025 International Relations

Growing Strategic Partnership

Azerbaijan and Ukraine are strengthening their strategic partnership, with Ukraine positioned as a key transit hub for Azerbaijani gas to Europe. The relationship continues to develop despite regional challenges, with growing Azerbaijani business presence and investment protection in Ukraine.

Recent Diplomatic Developments

In early 2025, significant diplomatic engagement occurred between the two nations. President Ilham Aliyev met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Davos to discuss political, economic, and humanitarian ties. This was followed by a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Baku, where Ukraine expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s humanitarian aid, particularly in rebuilding efforts in Irpin.

Energy Cooperation and Economic Ties

A landmark development occurred on July 28, 2025, when Naftogaz concluded its first gas import contract with SOCAR Energy Ukraine. While initial volumes remain limited, this agreement represents a strategic effort to diversify Ukraine’s natural gas supply sources, following its complete disengagement from Russian gas since 2015.

Humanitarian Support and Aid

Azerbaijan has maintained significant humanitarian support for Ukraine, providing energy equipment, financial aid, and infrastructure support. The value of this assistance has exceeded $40 million as of mid-2025.

Future Prospects

As the primary provider of aid to Ukraine among CIS states, Azerbaijan continues to demonstrate its commitment to the partnership. The relationship is expected to strengthen further with Azerbaijan’s participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, scheduled for July 10-11 in Rome.

Military and Security Cooperation

While Azerbaijan has historically provided Ukraine with military equipment, including drones and armored vehicles before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, it currently maintains a policy of not supplying lethal aid to either side of the conflict. However, recent reports suggest that Baku may reconsider this position if its interests in Ukraine continue to face challenges.