"Not to agree to occupation": Aliyev publicly supported Ukraine for the first time

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has publicly supported Ukraine for the first time, using the word “occupation” in reference to Russia’s actions, Kommersant reports.

“Answering the question of what advice he can give Kiev, the Azerbaijani president has openly supported Ukraine for the first time, using the word “occupation” twice in reference to Russia’s actions,” the newspaper writes.

Kommersant quotes Aliyev’s words from July 20 at the “Shushi III Global Media Forum” in occupied Stepanakert, where he called on Ukraine “not to agree to the occupation.” According to the Azerbaijani president, this statement “corresponds to the aspirations of the Ukrainian people.”

He also advised Kiev to use Baku’s experience in returning Karabakh by military means.

Earlier, during the Shushi Media Forum, Ukrainian journalist Elena Kurbanova presented Ilham Aliyev with a set of Ukrainian army insignia. In response, Aliyev said, "Thank you very much. Thank you for what you have done. Continue in the same spirit."