The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has stated that Azerbaijan is pursuing a consistent policy aimed at reducing Russian influence in the South Caucasus. The agency attributes this not only to Baku's recent political statements but also to the country's strategic focus on developing international partnerships, transport projects, and peacekeeping activities.

The Directorate recalled that after Russian forces struck a gas station owned by the Azerbaijani state company SOCAR in the Mykolaiv region, Baku sent an official note of protest to Moscow. Azerbaijan demanded a comprehensive investigation and called on Russia to honor its international obligations regarding the protection of civilian infrastructure.

Furthermore, Ukrainian intelligence highlighted a statement by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding the country's readiness to fully replace Russia in the European oil and gas market. According to the agency, this serves as further evidence of Moscow's weakening position as both an energy partner and a regional player.

The Directorate paid particular attention to the 4th Global Media Forum held in Shusha. Ukrainian intelligence views the event as part of Baku's strategy to strengthen its international standing and reduce the region's dependence on Russian influence.

"Azerbaijan is pursuing a policy of reducing Russian influence in the South Caucasus," the Directorate stated.

The agency also noted that Azerbaijan is deepening cooperation with the US, developing the "Middle Corridor," and modernizing the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and the Alat Free Economic Zone. Ukrainian intelligence assesses these projects as strengthening the country's position as a key transport and logistics hub in Eurasia.

The Directorate also cites the country's participation in peacekeeping operations as further evidence of Azerbaijan's growing international role. Since 1999, more than three thousand Azerbaijani military personnel have served in missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and an Azerbaijani contingent is currently carrying out tasks in South Sudan.