Russian MP warns against delusions about normalization of  Russia-Azerbaijan relations 

ArmInfo.  Baku is a strategic partner and ally of Turkey. There's no point in pretending that there are no political contradictions between Baku and Moscow, the First  Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs and  Russia's Special Representative for Migration and Citizenship noted  in an interview with the radio station "Moscow Speaking."

"What Dmitry Peskov said is a statement of the fact that Azerbaijan  has not been Russia's ally in this matter from the very beginning of  the CIS and publicly believes that it maintains its relations with  the Zelensky regime and demonstratively strengthens them. If Mr.  Aliyev believes that this doesn't create problems in relations with  Russia, then I believe he is mistaken," the MP said. According to  him, this concerns a general attitude toward Azerbaijan as a partner.  "Azerbaijan is certainly not our strategic partner. This doesn't mean  we shouldn't have relations in a wide variety of areas; I welcome  this. But there's no point in deceiving ourselves on this score. And  pretending that we don't have any disagreements-geopolitical,  political, and otherwise-is also uncalled for. Therefore, I believe  the enthusiasm over Azerbaijan's view of our relations as normalized  is misplaced in this case. Azerbaijan is a strategic partner and ally  of Turkey; it is our neighbor, but it doesn't seek an alliance with  us," Zatulin added.

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov called Ilham Aliyev's position on Ukraine  erroneous. However, he expressed his conviction that this position  should not cast a shadow on bilateral relations between Russia and  Azerbaijan.  Speaking at a media forum in the occupied Armenian city  of Shushi on July 13, Ilham Aliyev stated that he maintains the  position he has held since the very beginning of the conflict in  Ukraine. The President of Azerbaijan supported the country's  territorial integrity and sovereignty, and also pointed out the  occupation of its lands.