According to Kara, Azerbaijan’s positive relations with both warring nations set it up as a pivotal player in encouraging peace negotiations. As a former Soviet Union member with strong ties to NATO, Azerbaijan empathizes deeply with Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid while also maintaining a careful relationship with Moscow due to the looming fear of Russian power.
Kara highlights Azerbaijan’s successful balancing act between the two countries, which he believes positions it well to mediate and potentially help bring an end to the hostilities. In contrast, while Israel also maintains relations with both Ukraine and Russia, its current engagement in a major conflict and the strategic necessity of being on good terms with Putin for actions in Syria, as Kara explains, makes it less ideal as a mediator compared to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan’s recent end to its conflict with Armenia and its focus on national rebuilding also contribute to its suitability for mediation efforts, according to Kara.
