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Azerbaijan's Aliyev Skips CIS Summit, Strains Russia Ties

12/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will not attend the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in St. Petersburg on Dec 22, citing a busy schedule, while the Kremlin had expected his presence.
Aliyev's absence signals strained Russia–Azerbaijan relations, with drone strikes and Azerbaijan shutting Russian media and detaining citizens.
Relations worsened after a December 2024 plane crash linked to Russian air defense fire, and Aliyev attended a CIS event in October.

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Story summary

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will not attend the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in St. Petersburg on Dec 22, citing a busy schedule, while the Kremlin had expected his presence.
Aliyev's absence signals strained Russia–Azerbaijan relations, with drone strikes and Azerbaijan shutting Russian media and detaining citizens.
Relations worsened after a December 2024 plane crash linked to Russian air defense fire, and Aliyev attended a CIS event in October.