A true peace is the one in which people don’t live under the dictatorship of force, but under the protection of law
In a world that is getting used to wars too quickly, an event that took place in Washington on August 8, 2025 gives hope. The leaders Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, with the support and direct involvement of US President Donald Trump, signed a Joint Peace Declaration, which puts an end to one of the most protracted conflicts on the post-Soviet expanse.
The peace was concluded precisely at the White House in Washington, clearly signaling a new balance of power in the region. US President Donald Trump has assumed the role of the main peacemaker and mediator, laying the foundation for a lasting peace in the South Caucasus. At the same time, Russian control and influence over that strategically important region is rapidly dissolving, and the Kremlin is becoming an outsider who has found himself outside the process. This is a telling evidence of the South Caucasus coming out from Russian domination and moving towards a new era of security, development and cooperation under the auspices of the United States and in cooperation with the international community.
The seven-point Declaration is not just a dry list of agreements, but a real plan of action: to create a future without wars, to open up new transport routes, to reject revanchist approaches, to deepen economic partnership and, most importantly, to guarantee mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and borders.
The completion of the OSCE Minsk Process, the launch of the large-scale infrastructure project TRIPP (“Trump’s Route for International Peace and Prosperity”), the development of transport corridors, the lifting of restrictions on defense cooperation with the United States – all this is shaping a new geopolitical reality in the Caspian-Black Sea region and makes Azerbaijan and Armenia an example that peace can be not just a dream, but the result of painstaking daily work and incredible efforts.
The Ukrainian people know too well the price of freedom and independence, because we have survived both during the beginning of the Russian hybrid aggression in 2014 and in 2022, when Russian occupying forces were standing outside Kyiv. Ukraine is defending its internationally recognized borders, and we clearly understand: no “gifts” to those who came with weapons in their hands will bring reliable security and lasting peace. Only combined pressure and a strong clear position, supported by allies and international partners, can force the aggressor to abandon terror and violence.
Ukraine and the Republic of Azerbaijan have consistently supported each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty at all times. Today, when the international community is talking about a lasting peace for Ukraine, we emphasize: such a peace is only possible on the basis of the UN Charter, without deviations from the Constitution of Ukraine, without trading in sovereignty. This is not maximalism – it is the only guarantee that peace will not collapse due to a new attack.
On August 10, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The Ukrainian Head of State congratulated President I. Aliyev and all of the Azerbaijani people on the agreements reached with Armenia with sponsorship from President D. Trump for the sake of lasting peace and reliable security in the South Caucasus region, noting that the trilateral meeting in Washington was very much welcomed across the world and expressed hope that everything would work out.
On top of that, Volodymyr Zelensky briefed his Azerbaijani counterpart about contacts with partners and that everyone was equally committed to a real end to the war in Ukraine and effective diplomacy. It is important that the joint efforts of the world ultimately force Russia to cease the fighting and aggression. The parties discussed communication with the United States, European countries, and the main principles that could bring peace closer.
The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for supporting our people and statehood. Besides, the leaders talked over energy cooperation. “We have achieved significant progress. We agreed not to stop there and to continue working on expanding our capabilities. I informed about Russian strikes on our energy facilities. Ukraine considers this a deliberate attempt by Russia to block energy routes that guarantee energy independence for us and other European countries. We are doing everything we can to protect our country and our people,” emphasized President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
The South Caucasus is opening a new chapter of its history today. We sincerely congratulate our friends and partners on this victory. Ukraine, joined with international partners, is working every day to bring about much-anticipated peace — fair, comprehensive and sustainable — on its land, which will be based on international law. Because true peace is the one in which people don’t live under the dictates of force, but under the protection of law.
Yuriy Gusev, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Azerbaijan
Author’s opinions expressed thereof may not be those of Ukrinform’s editorial staff
Source: Washington Declaration and a New Era for the South Caucasus
