Zelenskyy thanked Azerbaijan's foreign minister for his solidarity with Ukraine
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, who was visiting Ukraine for the first time since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. During the meeting, the parties discussed Russian attacks, the situation in the Black Sea, defense and economic cooperation, as well as Azerbaijan’s assistance to Ukraine.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov arrived in Ukraine on his first visit since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Before meeting with Zelenskyy, he visited Irpin in the Kyiv region. In Irpin, Bayramov visited a school, a hospital, and a rehabilitation center. According to Zelenskyy, Azerbaijan is providing assistance to this center.
The president thanked the Azerbaijani side for deciding to come to Ukraine and support Ukrainians during this time of full-scale war. “We are very grateful that, during these difficult days for our country and our people, you found a way to come and support us. Thank you for your solidarity with our people,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy spoke about Russian strikes
During the meeting, the president briefed Bayramov on the situation in Ukraine and the consequences of Russian aggression. They discussed in particular Russia’s regular strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The parties also discussed the situation in the Black Sea. Zelenskyy drew attention to Russia’s actions, which are disrupting grain shipping routes and the export of Ukrainian agricultural products.
For Ukraine, the Black Sea remains important not only from a security perspective but also for the operation of maritime export routes. The country conducts a significant portion of its exports, particularly agricultural products, through its ports.
The parties discussed defense cooperation
Defense cooperation between Ukraine and Azerbaijan was a separate topic of the talks. The parties discussed further contacts and possible areas of cooperation. According to Zelenskyy, high-level diplomatic contacts were also discussed during the meeting. Ukraine is interested in continuing the dialogue with Azerbaijan and maintaining bilateral ties.
Another focus of the talks was economic cooperation. In particular, representatives of the two countries discussed the energy sector, the oil and gas industry, and agriculture. These sectors hold significant potential for further cooperation. Ukraine is interested in developing energy ties and engaging international partners in economic recovery.
Zelenskyy thanked Azerbaijan
The president specifically noted the support Azerbaijan has provided to Ukraine during the full-scale war. This includes, in particular, humanitarian and energy aid. “I am grateful to Azerbaijan for its support of Ukraine, its energy and humanitarian aid, and its constructive dialogue,” Zelenskyy said.
Bayramov’s visit marked an important diplomatic engagement between Kyiv and Baku amid Russia’s war against Ukraine. In addition to security issues, the parties focused on the economy, energy, and the further development of bilateral relations.
Ukraine also continues to work with partners to increase international pressure on Russia and support the Ukrainian economy. In this context, cooperation with Azerbaijan encompasses not only political dialogue but also humanitarian, energy, and economic projects.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on sanctions against Russia and instructed officials to prepare a plan for a special sanctions operation. According to him, it should significantly restrict the operations of the Russian military-industrial complex and prevent Moscow from quickly adapting to the new restrictions.
