Fears are mounting that Vladimir Putin might have set his sights on another neighboring country following an icy handshake exchange with a world leader. The Russian leader seemed to avoid Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev at a significant military parade in Beijing, only to be intercepted by another guest for a tense greeting amidst strained relations.
Putin, donning elevated platform shoes to increase his height, briefly shook hands with Azerbaijan’s first lady and vice president Mehriban Aliyeva, but the encounter appeared tense. Recent tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan escalated after a Russian air defense unit shot at an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft, leading to a tragic crash in Kazakhstan that claimed 38 lives.
Despite offering an apology, Putin’s refusal to formally acknowledge his troops’ actions outraged Aliyev, who accuses Russia of supporting Ukraine and aligning with the West. The simmering conflict has also seen arrests of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia and Russian nationals in Azerbaijan, exacerbating the strained relationship.
Speculation arises that if peace is achieved in Ukraine, Putin may seek a new conflict to consolidate power in Russia and bolster the nation’s military economy. Intimations from Kremlin sources hint at potential military operations in the oil-rich Caspian region, raising concerns about escalating tensions.
The military parade in Beijing, commemorating Japan’s defeat in World War II, showcased China’s advanced weaponry, with global leaders including Kim Jong Un and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in attendance. Following the event, Putin and Kim shared a private car ride, with Putin praising North Korean soldiers for their role in conflicts alongside Russian forces.
As the meeting commenced, Putin lauded the bravery of North Korean soldiers in combat, hinting at shared military history between the two nations.