Azerbaijan’s Natural Gas Deal with Ukraine Causes Tensions with Russia

Azerbaijan has started exporting natural gas to Ukraine for the first time, using the Trans-Balkan corridor. This pipeline route runs through Bulgaria and Romania, allowing Azerbaijani gas to bypass Russian territory and reach Ukrainian buyers directly. While officials in Kyiv have described the deal as a step toward energy diversification, this decision is a concerning shift in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.

The announcement came from Sergii Koretsky, head of Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz. He confirmed a contract with SOCAR Energy Ukraine, a subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company SOCAR. Koretsky called the agreement “this a small-scale, but strategically important step,” claiming it would open doors to long-term cooperation.

The political meaning behind this gas deal, however, goes far beyond just a commercial agreement.

Azerbaijan’s decision to provide natural gas to Ukraine—at a time when the country is in open conflict with Russia—is more than a simple business strategy. It clearly shows Azerbaijan distancing itself from Moscow and aligning with Russia’s rivals.

This is not the first sign that Azerbaijan is looking westward. Over the last few years, Azerbaijan has taken steps that show a deliberate move away from Russian influence. These include increasing military cooperation with NATO countries, growing energy ties with the European Union, and now, providing direct support to Ukraine in the form of energy resources.

For years, Azerbaijan tried to play both sides. It kept trade relations with Russia while slowly expanding cooperation with the West. Now, this balancing act is falling apart. The gas deal with Ukraine is a sign that Baku no longer feels the need to hide its growing loyalty to Moscow’s enemies.

Russian lawmakers have already reacted. Konstantin Zatulin, a senior member of the Russian State Duma, said “The [Azerbaijan] decision to supply [natural] gas to Ukraine is clearly aimed at supporting the latter.” He warned that Baku is beginning to show itself as a country that no longer acts like an ally of Russia, and one that now freely builds ties with Russia’s enemies. 

This shift may not be without consequence. Russia has long been a major player in the South Caucasus and has great political and military influence in the region. By turning its back on this relationship, Azerbaijan is taking a dangerous risk. It may face political backlash or even more serious challenges, depending on how far it goes in backing Ukraine. 

While Baku may believe it is gaining influence by working with Ukraine and Western allies, this strategy could lead to instability both at home and in the region. Azerbaijan’s economy remains heavily tied to oil and gas exports, and Russia is still an important partner in areas ranging from security to trade.

The country also relies on Russia’s quiet backing when dealing with its own territorial issues, especially concerning its long-standing conflict with Armenia.

The gas deal with Ukraine proves once again that energy is not just about markets—it is about power. Azerbaijan is using its natural resources to send a political message. But in doing so, it is placing itself in the middle of a much larger conflict. By supporting Ukraine, even indirectly, Azerbaijan is taking a side in one of Europe’s most dangerous crises.

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