The views of Konstantin Zatulin, a deputy of the Russian State Duma, published in the newspaper “Moskovskiy Komsomolets”, are another manifestation of political inadequacy demonstrated against the new geopolitical realities formed in the region.
Zatulin, basing his rhetoric on elementary factual errors and emotional manipulations, presents a position that is far from a serious analytical basis, and is more characteristic of political speculation with his claims about “secret agreements”, and this approach does not reflect objective reality. Such approaches also contradict the official foreign policy course of the country he represents.
The fact that Karabakh is the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan is neither a secret nor a new issue. This truth is an undeniable reality enshrined in all international documents, from UN Security Council resolutions to the declarations of alliance signed by Russia itself.
Furthermore, the fact that certain circles, which remained silent for a long time regarding facts such as the ethnic cleansing of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, the destruction of cities and villages, and the systematic annihilation of historical and cultural heritage during the nearly 30-year occupation, are now speaking with a rhetoric of “justice” raises serious questions.
It should be noted that Azerbaijan's historic Victory was achieved precisely as a result of President Ilham Aliyev's consistent and far-sighted policy, resolute leadership based on national interests, and purposeful state governance.
This Victory was not limited to the restoration of our territorial integrity; it also ensured the collapse of the “frozen conflict” model that individuals like Zatulin had referred to for years.
Zatulin's thesis that “Russia has been deceived” essentially demonstrates his attempt to cast a shadow on the professionalism of Russian diplomacy and state institutions. While official Moscow has repeatedly declared its recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, a deputy's statements aimed at undermining this position are not in line with diplomatic ethical norms. Such statements serve not peace, but the incitement of revanchist sentiments and the disruption of stability in the region.
The current reality is that the South Caucasus has already entered the post-conflict phase. The main philosophy of this phase is not confrontation, but cooperation, sustainable peace, and the strengthening of mutual trust.
Rhetoric that denies or attempts to distort these realities is essentially an attempt to revive the destructive and ineffective policies of the past, and this attempt is undoubtedly an unsuccessful initiative. The future of the region will be determined not by emotional statements and unfounded accusations, but by the establishment of a just and inclusive order based on law.
