Fears are escalating that Vladimir Putin might be targeting another neighboring country following an icy handshake with a fellow world leader. The Russian leader seemed to avoid Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, during a grand military parade in Beijing. However, Putin was eventually forced to exchange greetings amid strained relations between them.
Wearing elevated shoes to increase his stature, Putin briefly shook hands with Azerbaijan’s first lady and vice president, Mehriban Aliyeva, but the encounter appeared tense. The tension between Russia and Azerbaijan heightened after a Russian air defense unit shot down an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft, leading to a fatal crash in Kazakhstan last Christmas.
Despite offering an apology, Putin’s refusal to formally acknowledge responsibility for the incident angered Aliyev, who accused Russia of supporting Ukraine and moving closer to the West. The strained relationship has led to arrests of ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia and Russian nationals in Azerbaijan, escalating fears of potential conflict.
With peace possibly looming in Ukraine, speculation arises that Putin may seek a new conflict to maintain control in Russia and support the country’s war economy. Military analysts suggest that the Caspian region, particularly oil-rich Azerbaijan, could become a new battleground. Russian officials hint at the prospect of war following Russia’s diminishing influence in the region.
In a separate event, the parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II showcased China’s advanced weaponry, with world leaders like Kim Jong Un and Masoud Pezeshkian in attendance. Putin and Kim’s private meeting following the parade emphasized the evolving geopolitical dynamics, with Putin lauding North Korean soldiers for their role in conflicts alongside Russian troops.
The geopolitical landscape is evolving rapidly, with tensions rising in various regions and alliances shifting, signaling potential conflicts and power struggles on the horizon.