Azerbaijan Amid the Ukrainian Crisis: Perceptions, Implications and Expectations

Abstract

The Ukrainian crisis has greatly affected the political and economic perception of the Azerbaijani public and has had huge implications for the country's development. The war has put the country in an uneasy condition, in which Baku needs to balance with Moscow on the issue of Karabakh and work closely with the West in ensuring its energy security. Moreover, the continued standoff between Russia and the EU/USA limits Azerbaijan's field for manoeuvring, and it has taken criticism from both sides. It seems obvious that Azerbaijan will continue its policy of "silent diplomacy" that tipulates to not irritate the powerful centres as well as its policy of restoration of territorial integrity and keeping its independence as a country hrough small steps and actions.