Aliyev Says Former Russian and German Officials Met in Baku
Ukraine Peace Talks Take Shape Away from Official Channels
Usagevpn.com – Aliyev says former Russian and German officials were in Baku for a confidential meeting about Ukraine, the Azerbaijani president revealed during a press conference in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Senior figures from both nations visited Azerbaijan’s capital in mid-July to explore discussions about Moscow’s military campaign. What caught attention was that Baku learned of the diplomatic activity only through media reports, not through official channels.
The Azerbaijani president cited flight records as proof that a private gathering occurred within Azerbaijan’s borders. Neither Berlin nor Moscow had notified Azerbaijan about the potential summit beforehand. “Our territory was simply utilised without our knowledge,” Aliyev stated, noting his mild surprise at the diplomatic maneuver that bypassed his country entirely.
Who Attended the Secret Baku Meeting?
After media coverage emerged, Aliyev ordered Azerbaijan’s State Border Service to investigate thoroughly. The inquiry confirmed several prominent political figures were present. According to the president, two distinguished Germans arrived in Baku on July 12 on a direct flight from Berlin, then departed on July 14.
Ronald Pofalla, who previously served as chief of staff to Chancellor Angela Merkel, was among those identified. Between 2009 and 2013, Pofalla held the position of head of the Federal Chancellery alongside his role as Minister for Special Affairs. His career trajectory later included leading Deutsche Bahn’s infrastructure division and co-chairing the Petersburg Dialogue, a semi-official forum connecting Germany and Russia that Berlin suspended following Moscow’s initial military intervention in Ukraine in 2021.
Matthias Platzeck, another German participant, brings considerable experience to diplomatic engagements. As former Social Democrat Minister-President of Brandenburg and head of the Forum on Russo-German Cooperation, Platzeck has consistently advocated for improved relations between Berlin and Moscow within his party.
Russian Delegation Arrives on the Same Day
On July 12, the same day as the German arrivals, two Russian dignitaries touched down in Baku from Moscow. Viktor Zubkov, who served as Russia’s prime minister from September 2007 through May 2008 under President Vladimir Putin, was one of the visitors. Currently chairing Gazprom’s board, Zubkov maintains deep historical ties with Putin dating back to their time together in St Petersburg’s municipal government.
Valery Fadeyev, who has directed Russia’s Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights since 2019, completed the Russian delegation. This advisory body to Putin has frequently served as a vehicle for diplomatic initiatives and back-channel communications. Both Russian figures are considered part of Putin’s most trusted circle of advisors.
“The flights statistics provide grounds to suggest that such a secret meeting was held in Baku,” Aliyev explained. “Our territory was simply utilised without our knowledge.”
Merz and Azerbaijan Align on Peace Prospects
During the Berlin press conference, Chancellor Merz acknowledged that he possessed no specific information regarding the alleged Baku gathering. Nevertheless, he emphasized that German efforts to encourage President Putin to begin negotiations have been ongoing for several months. According to Merz, the Russian leader has consistently declined these overtures.
“Ending this war rests solely with the Russian government and the Russian president. Entering into talks and, if necessary, starting peace negotiations depends solely on him,” Merz declared.
The German chancellor expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s president sharing Germany’s perspective on the conflict’s origins, progression, and potential resolution. Aliyev reinforced this alignment by reiterating that immediate cessation of hostilities remains Azerbaijan’s foremost objective.
“Our primary goal is for this war to end and for peace to be secured in the region,” Aliyev affirmed.
The timing of these diplomatic developments suggests growing momentum toward potential peace discussions, even as formal channels remain closed. The presence of experienced mediators from both nations in Baku indicates that unofficial pathways for dialogue may be developing alongside official positions.
