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Azerbaijani MP: Attack on SOCAR infrastructure in Ukraine is a violation of international humanitarian law

09 August 2025 13:54 (UTC +04:00)

The repeated targeting and strikes on the gas pipeline system in the Odessa direction of Ukraine, through which Azerbaijani oil is also exported, and SOCAR’s fueling station are examples of Russia’s hostile actions against Azerbaijan, Rizvan Nabiyev, member of the Defense, Security, and Anti-Corruption Committee of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) told APA.

The MP noted that Russia is in an isolated position on the international stage, parallel to its difficult situation at the frontlines in Ukraine: “In such a situation, the restoration of peace and stability in the South Caucasus disturbs certain circles. This is completely incomprehensible, because the three-decade occupation—which was once supported by certain circles in Russia—has finally ended. Although Armenia was used as a tool for many years, political forces have finally emerged in that country recognizing the instrumentality they had served. By the time of the Washington meeting, the text of the peace agreement had already been agreed upon. Azerbaijan is the initiator of this peace, and it is President Ilham Aliyev who set its agenda and defined its priority directions.”

Rizvan Nabiyev noted that it was precisely as a result of the President’s well-thought-out military, political, and diplomatic strategy that the military occupation of our territories was brought to an end, and the text of a peace agreement was presented to the Armenian side to ensure long-term peace and stability. In the next stage — the post-war period — the interstate normalization process was initiated. In this as well, the initiating state is Azerbaijan: “The post-conflict normalization process includes many issues such as the opening of the Zangezur corridor, the establishment of confidence-building measures, and the delimitation and demarcation of borders. At a time when serious and real steps are being taken towards lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus, the targeting of SOCAR-owned gas stations in Ukraine is completely contrary to the spirit of Azerbaijan-Russia relations, and is an unfriendly act.”

Another important point is that international humanitarian law imposes an obligation on the state conducting military operations to protect civilian objects during the operations. Previously, Russia also launched a missile strike in the direction of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Ukraine. All this gives reason to say that Russia deliberately wants to undermine Azerbaijan’s activities in Ukraine.

Failure to protect civilian objects and infrastructure creates responsibility under international law. This is well known in Moscow. At the same time, some circles in Russia should understand that Azerbaijan is taking steps to achieve peace and stability in the region primarily for the welfare of the peoples of the region. This should not be interpreted as strengthening the position of any force in the region or undermining the position of any force. After 30 years of occupation, the region wants to achieve peace and stability. The new political reality created by Azerbaijan offers new opportunities for cooperation. This is attractive not only for the region but also for states located in a larger geography beyond the region.”