For decades, Russia maintained dominant influences in the South Caucasus, utilizing military strength, economical interdependence and nostalgia behind the post-Soviet past to keep control of regional entities. Azerbaijan, rich in energy resources was a russian republic, long was considered 1 of Moscow's more reliable partners – pragmatic, cooperative and trying not to provoke its northern neighbour. In fresh months, however, these accounts have not only cooled down but have even entered a period of deep crisis. In the face of public clashes, loud arrests, diplomatic disputes and geopolitical reorganisations, the question arises: Did Russia lose Azerbaijan?
