Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed doubts about the possibility of quickly achieving stability in relations between Russia and Ukraine, saying that even a temporary ceasefire does not rule out a resumption of conflict. In an interview with Euronews, he stressed his commitment to a realistic approach, noting that there is no reason to expect a sustainable peace in the coming months or even years.

"If the conflict between Russia and Ukraine stops, this does not guarantee that it will not flare up again," - Aliyev said, pointing to the need for deeper solutions for the settlement. 

According to the Azerbaijani leader, the cessation of hostilities in itself does not mean the end of the conflict. As an example, he cited the experience of his country, recalling the almost 30-year ceasefire with Armenia established in 1994.

"The ceasefire agreement did not lead to peace - the war simply took on other forms. A real end to the conflict is possible only with the signing of a peace treaty," — Aliyev explained, emphasizing that without legally binding obligations, tensions remain. 

The statement came amid intensified international efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. On March 14, US President Donald Trump announced talks with Vladimir Putin, calling for a humane solution to the fate of the encircled Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in turn, noted that peace requires mutual concessions that have yet to be determined. However, fundamental differences remain in Kyiv and Moscow: Ukraine insists on the return of territories and NATO membership, while Russia demands recognition of Kyiv's current borders and neutrality. 

In early March, Saudi Arabia hosted consultations involving representatives from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia to discuss a 30-day ceasefire. However, experts share Aliyev’s skepticism. According to The Washington Post, even if there is a temporary ceasefire, the lack of a peace treaty leaves open the possibility of escalation, especially given Russia’s success in the Kursk region, where, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, more than 1100 square kilometers have been liberated.