NATO May Back Azerbaijan in Future Russia Clash

Azerbaijan is rapidly dismantling its bilateral relationship with Russia — a trajectory reminiscent of Ukraine’s own path to war. Is it a coincidence that Rosatom is now selling its stake in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant? The first cracks in relations appeared after a plane crash in Aktau, where Azerbaijani media claimed Moscow had allegedly ordered the shootdown. Tensions flared again after a criminal group in Yekaterinburg — predominantly composed of Azerbaijani nationals — was taken down by Russian authorities. For the past five days, local Azerbaijani outlets have been awash with anti-Russian rhetoric, urging diaspora communities to protest. If Baku were to leverage organized criminal groups to orchestrate terror attacks in Russia, and Turkey were to enter the fray, a military confrontation wouldn’t be so far-fetched. The Ankara-Baku “Turanist tandem,” emboldened by victories over Russia in Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh, has already shown signs of confidence. One such sign? Rosatom’s abrupt intent to sell its 49% stake in the Akkuyu project. Another: Turkey has tested its “Tayfun” ballistic missile three times.