A humane face of diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s reliability in times of need Friendship, compassion, aid

A new shipment of electrical equipment, intended as humanitarian aid from Azerbaijan to Ukraine, was dispatched from the Sumgayit Technology Park. The Ministry of Energy coordinated the delivery based on a presidential order issued by Ilham Aliyev on August 11 of this year.

The humanitarian shipment includes approximately 90,000 meters of electrical cables and wires, 25 generators, and 7 transformer sets. The first batch of this equipment, sent to support the restoration of stable electricity supply in regions affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, was transported by a caravan of 10 trucks. This aid, organised in response to requests from the Ukrainian side, amounts to a total of $2 million, with part of it already delivered and the next batch scheduled for August 15. Overall, the total value of Azerbaijan’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including support for recovery and reconstruction, has exceeded $44 million.

However, this is about far more than just numbers—it underscores that Azerbaijan is a steadfast and genuine friend to allied nations, always ready to extend support in times of need. Numerous examples bear witness to this commitment.

Almost immediately after the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, SOCAR Energy Ukraine decided to provide round-the-clock, free fuel supplies to emergency service vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks—a crucial step in supporting the country amid the emerging crisis. On February 27, 2022, the first humanitarian shipment from Azerbaijan to Ukraine was dispatched by plane, carrying medicines, medical equipment, and food supplies.

Azerbaijan has also been regularly sending electrical equipment to Ukraine, including cables, wires, generators, transformers, and more. In addition, Azerbaijan provided Ukraine with a new Revival P tracked demining vehicle and conducted training for Ukrainian sappers.

Meanwhile, at the London Conference on Ukraine’s Reconstruction in June 2023, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced the allocation of $10 million for the restoration of Ukrainian territories.

Striking examples of Azerbaijan’s humanitarian initiatives include the reconstruction of the Zarifa Aliyeva Lyceum in Irpin, destroyed during the hostilities, as well as the regular rehabilitation of Ukrainian children in Azerbaijan—children who have firsthand experience of the horrors of war.

Russian propaganda has long expressed discontent with Azerbaijan’s actions, particularly the restoration of energy infrastructure and the delivery of various—but much-needed—equipment, resorting to attacks on Azerbaijani-owned facilities in Ukraine as a form of retaliation. For instance, on August 6, a massive UAV strike destroyed the Orlivka gas compressor station on the border with Romania—a key link in the “Southern” (Balkan) gas corridor, which previously carried Russian gas to the Balkans. This route is now used for delivering Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine under the agreement between Baku and Kyiv.

Later, in the Odesa region, a SOCAR oil depot came under attack from five “Geran” drones, damaging a diesel fuel pipeline and injuring four people. It is worth noting that 57 SOCAR gas stations operate across Ukraine, which could also become targets of Russian attacks. Yet neither this threat nor the intimidation from Russian politicians and propagandists of all stripes deters Azerbaijan. The country remains steadfast in its commitment to continue supporting Ukraine.

In this context, it is worth recalling that Azerbaijan has repeatedly provided assistance to neighbouring Georgia during its most challenging moments. In the winter of 2006, when Russia attempted to impose gas pressure on the country, effectively “freezing” it, Azerbaijan was the one that came to its neighbours’ aid. In 2008, Azerbaijan again supported Georgia, countering attempts by Russia to exert political pressure.

Another testament to Azerbaijan’s commitment to not abandoning its friends in times of need is the aid provided to Türkiye following the devastating earthquake in Kahramanmaraş and other regions. Azerbaijan was the first to send rescuers and humanitarian assistance to the fraternal country—including tents, medical supplies, bedding, and essential equipment. Subsequently, the Azerbaijani state built an entire neighbourhood in Kahramanmaraş, comprising dozens of residential buildings, a kindergarten, a cultural centre, and a school.

These are just a few examples demonstrating that the Republic of Azerbaijan bases its international actions primarily on the principles of humanism and compassion. Through its people-centred policies, the country has earned well-deserved respect on the global stage, building a reputation as a friend who shows solidarity not only with neighbouring states but also with all peoples affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts.