A former close ally of Russia is reportedly secretly selling fighter jets to Ukraine , as well as supplies of gas. Russia and Azerbaijan were for years allies, a bond sealed by a shared history and their joint membership of the Soviet Union.

In recent years, the countries have grown apart, with their capital, Baku, seeking to exert its control over the South Caucasus and diminish Russian power in the region. Azerbaijan has, in the process, forged strong ties with Turkey, a country with which it shares cultural and linguistic traits. Relations between Baku and Moscow deteriorated sharply this year, after Russian forces accidentally shot down an Azeri passenger plane while it was flying over Chechnya at Christmas.

Russian army reels as Ukraine carries out attack that 'changes rules of

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