Russian analysts assess Aliev's harsh statements against Moscow

The harsh rhetoric by the Azeri President, Ilham Aliev, against Russia after the AZAL plane crash will test mutual relations, but is unlikely to lead to any serious deterioration of them.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 28, 2024, Vladimir Putin apologized to the President of Azerbaijan "due to the fact that the tragic incident with the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane occurred in the Russian airspace." After that, Aliev demanded that Russia admit guilt in the plane crash, punish those responsible, and pay compensations. On January 6, he criticized Russian authorities for refusing to admit guilt in the plane crash. According to Azerbaijani analysts, Baku's increased criticism of Russia will not entail any fundamental changes in bilateral relations.

Stanislav Pritchin, the Head of the Central Asia Sector at the National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations named after E. M. Primakov of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IMEMO RAS), believes that Aliev's statements are quite harsh. However, in his opinion, there is no fear that some projects may be stopped due to the plane crash and Aliev's statements. He noted that Russia is one of Azerbaijan's largest partners.

The Aliev's harsh statements will test the strength of Baku-Moscow relations, Konstantin Kalachov, a political analyst and the head of the "Political Expert Group", believes.

The plane crash will not worsen the Moscow-Baku relations, Andrei Koshkin, a military expert, is sure. According to his forecasts, after the publication of the investigation results, Moscow and Baku will find some compromise solution.