Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, expressing gratitude for Azerbaijan’s assistance in evacuating Russian citizens from Iran and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Iranian people through Azerbaijani territory.

Four years after the full scale invasion launched by Putin against Ukraine, the United Kingdom has announced an increase in military and humanitarian support for Kyiv. The government says that Ukraine’s defence is directly linked to the security of Britain and Europe.

It would be preferable for everything to be prepared in advance for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, said Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, in an interview with Lenta.ru.

Editor’s note: Vladimir Bekish is a Russian military and political analyst and strategic security expert specializing in the Middle East and Africa. The article reflects the author’s personal views and may not represent those of News.Az.