Russia continues to pursue an unfriendly policy towards Azerbaijan. This policy has already moved into the plane of open aggression. While previously the Kremlin expressed its position only through political rhetoric, propagandist political analysts, and radical statements, now the process has been elevated to a military-political level. As a continuation of the threats made by State Duma MP Andrey Gurulyov, Vladimir Solovyov — known for his anti-Azerbaijani stance — and other propagandists, Moscow has taken dangerous steps and has begun targeting Azerbaijani-owned energy facilities in Ukraine.
Russia has deliberately targeted Azerbaijani-owned energy facilities in Ukraine
The recent events can be regarded as a clear indication of this aggressive course. Last night, the oil depot belonging to SOCAR, located in Ukraine’s Odesa region, was once again subjected to an intensive attack by Russia using Iran’s 'Shahed'-type UAVs. After direct strikes, a large fire broke out; 17 fuel tanks, a pumping station, operator rooms, and technical buildings were seriously damaged, and the facility’s fence was destroyed. The disabling of this facility, with a total capacity of 16,000 cubic meters, is an open provocation directed against Azerbaijan’s economic interests and energy security. It should be especially noted that this is Russia’s second attack on SOCAR’s oil depot in Odesa. On August 8, Russia also attacked SOCAR’s oil depot with 10 'Shaheds,' resulting in partial destruction.
Prior to that – on August 6 – Russia carried out airstrikes on a gas compressor station in Odesa that transports Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine. As can be seen, Russia has recently been deliberately targeting Azerbaijani-owned energy facilities in Ukraine.
Azerbaijan should sell the Russian weapons it captured during the war with Armenia to Ukraine on preferential terms
According to MP of Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) Rasim Musabeyov, instead of issuing additional statements and appeals, a response must be given to Russia, which is targeting SOCAR’s facilities despite Azerbaijan’s objections.
In a statement to APA, the MP said that Russia continues to subject SOCAR’s facilities to regular airstrikes despite Azerbaijan’s objections: "There is no longer any need to issue additional appeals or statements on this matter. I believe we can lift the embargo on arms sales to Ukraine, and this step should be taken. We must act without paying attention to what Russia says. During the war with Armenia, we captured Russian weapons, and it is possible to sell them to Ukraine. Since our army in Nakhchivan has fully transitioned to Turkish weapons, there is plenty of armored equipment left there. There are Grad systems and other equipment that no longer need to be kept. This equipment can be sent to Ukraine for sale.
At one time, Ukraine sold us Soviet weapons — both tanks and MiG-29 fighter jets were given to Azerbaijan. I see nothing wrong now if Azerbaijan, in turn, sells Soviet-made weapons that we no longer need to Ukraine at preferential prices. Those funds will be gladly paid by European countries anyway. No additional explanation is needed — if someone likes it, good, if not, it doesn’t matter.”
In his interview with APA, the MP said that Russia continues to subject SOCAR’s facilities to regular airstrikes despite Azerbaijan’s objections: "There is no longer any need to issue additional appeals or statements on this matter. I believe we can lift the embargo on arms sales to Ukraine, and this step should be taken. We must act without paying attention to what Russia says. During the war with Armenia, we captured Russian weapons, and it is possible to sell them to Ukraine. Since our army in Nakhchivan has fully transitioned to Turkish weapons, there is plenty of armored equipment left there. There are Grad systems and other equipment that no longer need to be kept. This equipment can be sent to Ukraine for sale. At one time, Ukraine sold us Soviet weapons — both tanks and MiG-29 fighter jets were given to Azerbaijan. I see nothing wrong now if Azerbaijan, in turn, sells Soviet-made weapons that we no longer need to Ukraine at preferential prices. Those funds will be gladly paid by European countries anyway. No additional explanation is needed — if someone likes it, good, if not, it doesn’t matter.”
If objections do not yield results, actions are necessary
Rasim Musabayov believes that just as Russia once armed Armenians and did not hesitate to use them against Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan should respond with its own actions rather than engaging in verbal disputes.
“In the past, Armenians occupied our lands. Russia supplied them with billions of dollars’ worth of free weapons, which were deployed in the occupied territories and used against Azerbaijan. If Russia did not hesitate to do this, then Azerbaijan must also take its own steps, forcing Moscow to accept it. But I emphasize once again: there is no need to engage in any kind of verbal exchange with them. If they act, we must respond with action,” Rasim Musabayov concluded.
