Zelenskyy confirms military experts in Azerbaijan and signs security cooperation documents
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Apr 25
Zelenskyy confirms military experts in Azerbaijan and signs security cooperation documents
9 articles · Updated · Euronews · Apr 25
During his first visit to Azerbaijan since Russia’s invasion, Zelenskyy announced Ukrainian military experts are sharing anti-drone expertise and confirmed new security cooperation agreements with President Ilham Aliyev in Gabala.
Zelenskyy expressed readiness for trilateral talks with Putin in Azerbaijan, as US-led diplomacy stalls, and highlighted expanded energy and defense ties between Kyiv and Baku, including undisclosed defense-industrial agreements.
The visit underscores Ukraine’s strategic shift toward the Caucasus, Azerbaijan’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and ongoing tensions with Russia, which has targeted Azerbaijani facilities in Ukraine and rejected compromise in peace talks.
How does Zelenskyy’s Baku proposal align with the Trump administration's strategy of reducing Ukrainian military aid?
What capabilities does Ukraine's 'Drone Deal' offer Azerbaijan to counter threats from both Russia and Iran?
Why was a city 100km from Russia's border chosen for this landmark Ukraine-Azerbaijan summit?
Is Ukraine’s rapid drone innovation creating a new model for global defense partnerships?
Can Azerbaijan succeed as a peace broker where previous high-profile efforts have consistently failed?
With Ukraine sharing drone tech in Russia's backyard, what is Moscow's next move in the Caucasus?
Strengthening Security and Energy Ties: Ukraine and Azerbaijan’s Landmark 2026 Bilateral Agreements
Overview
In April 2026, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited Azerbaijan, leading to six bilateral agreements that deepened their strategic partnership across defense, energy, and trade. This partnership enabled the deployment of Ukrainian military experts to Azerbaijan, sharing vital air defense expertise focused on countering drones, which strengthened Azerbaijan's defense readiness. The agreements also launched a defense-industrial collaboration aimed at joint production of advanced counter-UAV technologies, benefiting both nations militarily and economically while challenging Russian influence in the region. Against the backdrop of strained Azerbaijan-Russia relations following a 2024 incident, Azerbaijan has pursued closer ties with Ukraine, Turkey, and the West, including a strategic partnership with the US, signaling a significant regional realignment.