Russian media outlets report on Azerbaijani president's warnings to Armenia and legal action over AZAL crash PHOTO

The speech by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, which opened on July 19 in the city of Khankendi, was covered by Russian media outlets such as TASS, Interfax, RIA Novosti, Lenta.ru, Gazeta.Ru, Moskovsky Komsomolets, Vestnik Kavkaza, and others.

According to the Azerbaijani state news agency Azertag, media coverage focused primarily on the President’s statements regarding the prospects for a peace agreement with Armenia, the development of the Zangezur corridor, relations with Russia and the United States, and Azerbaijan’s intention to appeal to international judicial bodies over the AZAL plane crash, Caliber.Az informs, citing Azertag.

TASS reported that, according to President Ilham Aliyev, Baku and Yerevan are “very close to signing a peace agreement.” He noted that the agreement's text could be initialed in advance, but final signing is possible only after Armenia amends its Constitution and dissolves the OSCE Minsk Group.

Interfax highlighted President Aliyev’s remarks on the risks Armenia faces of losing its status as a transit country if it continues to block the Zangezur corridor. The agency noted that over the past five years, the Armenian side has taken no action, and “in such a case, Armenia’s chances of ever becoming a transit country are nearing zero.”

The agency also reported the Azerbaijani president's statement on preparing an appeal to the International Court over the AZAL plane crash. Ilham Aliyev stressed that Baku has not received a response from the Russian side and is demanding acknowledgement of the incident, accountability for those responsible, and compensation for the victims.

RIA Novosti covered the President’s comments on cooperation with the United States. He pointed to positive dynamics in Baku-Washington relations and thanked Donald Trump for his efforts in facilitating the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Moskovsky Komsomolets focused on the topic of digital challenges and media stability, quoting key parts of President Aliyev’s speech at the forum’s opening. In particular, it cited his remarks on the importance of open discussions not only within the media sphere but also on global issues.

Vestnik Kavkaza provided detailed coverage of the forum’s structure, the participation of 140 foreign guests from 52 countries, and the key discussion topics. The publication emphasised that the forum is taking place in liberated Khankendi and carries symbolic significance as a platform for strengthening international dialogue.

By Khagan Isayev