**Azerbaijan Steps Up Support for Ukraine with $2 Million Energy Aid Package**
In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has allocated $2 million to provide humanitarian aid to the war-torn country. The funds will be used to purchase and ship electrical equipment made in Azerbaijan, as per an order signed by the president on August 11.
This move follows a series of Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure linked to Baku. Just days before, Russian forces launched drones at an Azerbaijan State Oil Company (SOCAR) depot in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast, damaging a diesel pipeline and injuring four workers. This attack was the second recent Russian strike on Azerbaijani-linked facilities in Ukraine.
The escalation of attacks on Azerbaijani interests in Ukraine has led to increased tensions between Baku and Moscow. During a phone call on August 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Aliyev condemned the Russian strikes and discussed bilateral energy cooperation. The conversation highlighted the growing importance of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
In response to the escalating situation, Azerbaijan may consider lifting its ban on supplying Ukraine with weapons if Russia continues targeting Azerbaijani interests. This move would mark a significant shift in Baku’s policy towards the conflict, as it had previously maintained a neutral stance by not providing lethal aid to either side.
Azerbaijan has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the start of the war, offering humanitarian assistance worth over $40 million as of mid-2025. This includes energy equipment, financial aid, and infrastructure support. The latest $2 million energy aid package is a testament to Baku’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its time of need.
**What does this mean for Ukraine?**
The provision of electrical equipment by Azerbaijan will go some way towards alleviating the pressure on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. As the country continues to face Russian aggression, any form of support from other nations is crucial in helping it maintain stability and continue fighting against the invasion.
However, the fact that Azerbaijan may consider lifting its ban on supplying Ukraine with weapons if Russia continues targeting Azerbaijani interests highlights a deeper concern. It suggests that Baku’s patience with Moscow’s actions has worn thin, and it may be forced to take more decisive action in support of Ukraine.
**What’s next?**
As tensions between Baku and Moscow continue to escalate, the international community will be watching closely for any further developments. Will Azerbaijan indeed lift its ban on supplying Ukraine with weapons? What other forms of aid can we expect from Baku?
One thing is certain – the situation in Ukraine remains precarious, and any form of support from nations like Azerbaijan will be crucial in helping it navigate these challenging times.
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