Ukrainian journalist points to Azerbaijan’s achievements as lessons for Kyiv VIDEO

Much of what Azerbaijan has achieved under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is something Ukraine should study and adapt to its own realities, Ukrainian journalist Alesia Batsman has said.

According to Day.Az, the editor-in-chief of the Ukrainian online publication GORDON made the remarks in an interview with journalist Vasyl Holovanov following her visit to Karabakh and participation in the Shusha Global Media Forum.

Batsman said she was particularly impressed by President Aliyev’s response to a question from journalist Dmytro Gordon regarding Baku’s position on Ukraine.

“It was very important and encouraging to hear President Aliyev’s words in response to Dmytro Gordon’s question about Ukraine and his position on Ukraine. He once again confirmed and emphasized that Azerbaijan helps Ukraine, not merely supports it with words, but helps Ukraine. Moreover, this assistance is provided both at the state level and through private business,” she said.

Speaking about Karabakh, Batsman highlighted the scale of transformation that has taken place in the region in recent years.

“The last time I visited, Karabakh astonished me because when Azerbaijan liberated its territories in 2020, there were ruins there—nothing existed. But by 2025, it had already become a place of civilisation. And now only one more year has passed. It is incredible. Karabakh today is a network of ultra-modern, brand-new high-speed highways. Mountainous terrain, long tunnels, modern infrastructure. It is like Dubai, only better,” she noted.

She also drew attention to the government’s programme for the return of residents to the formerly occupied territories.

“People who were forced to flee Karabakh are returning. The state is building homes for them and restoring what they lost. They receive benefits, conditions are being created for employment, and salaries in the rebuilding Karabakh are higher in some professions than even in Baku. Teachers receive higher wages. This state policy is excellent because it ultimately leads to prosperity,” Batsman added.

By Jeyhun Aghazada