Azerbaijan’s five-year victory milestone reshapes the region

Azerbaijan marks its fifth Victory Day on 8 November, celebrating the liberation of occupied territories and the restoration of sovereignty, a milestone that reshaped the South Caucasus and ushered in a new era of reconstruction and regional stability.

First Karabakh war - (February 1988- May 1994)

For nearly three decades, around 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised territory remained under Armenian occupation.

These included Khankendi, Khojaly, Shusha, Lachin, Khojavand, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan, as well as 13 villages of Tartar, seven villages of Gazakh, and one village of Sadarak in Nakhchivan.

The human cost was severe; more than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed, while more than 50,000 were left injured and eventually disabled as a result of military aggression. 

It also led to the whereabouts of around 3,890 Azerbaijanis, including 71 children, 267 women and 326 elderly people remaining unknown to this day. 

Patriotic War – ‘Operation Iron Fist’ (27 September 2020 – 10 November 2020)

The Patriotic War began on 27 September 2020, when Azerbaijan launched counter-offensive operations in response to Armenian military provocations.

The 44-day conflict, known as 'Operation Iron Fist', was carried out by the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.

The liberation of Shusha was seen as the turning point and decisive victory that led to the end of the war, which on 8th of November was officially declared Victory Day in Azerbaijan.

The 10 November 2020 Trilateral Statement—signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia—formally ended the Second Karabakh War, placing Russian peacekeepers temporarily in parts of the region.

Regional powers – Türkiye and Russia’s roles in the post-conflict landscape

Türkiye and Russia, two key regional actors, have played significant roles throughout the conflict and in the post-war period.

Türkiye has long supported Azerbaijan and reaffirmed its position during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Ankara supports “the steps taken by Azerbaijan… to protect its territorial integrity,” reiterating the principle of “one nation, two states.”

On 15 June 2021, Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed the historic Shusha Declaration, formalising their allied partnership and strengthening cooperation. 

Russia, though historically aligned with Armenia, also remained closely involved. During earlier escalations, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov voiced Moscow’s “concern about the sharp escalation of tensions and the outbreak of hostilities,” reflecting Russia’s continued interest in regional stability.

Demining efforts 

Landmines remain a significant obstacle to redevelopment. 

According to the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), extensive mine-clearance operations are still underway even today, across the liberated territories.

Large-scale mine clearance efforts were carried out in the Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khojavand, Lachin, Shusha, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Jabrayil, Gazakh, and Zangilan districts, as well as in the city of Khankendi.

In total, 406 anti-personnel mines, 364 anti-tank mines, and 12,298 unexploded ordnances were discovered and safely neutralised. 

A new phase in regional peacebuilding

A major breakthrough came on 8 August, when through the initiative of U.S. President Donald Trump—the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia met at the White House and signed a joint Declaration.

This was followed by global reaction to the peace deal with the European Union, UK, Spain amongst others, reacting positively to the development.

President Ilham Aliyev described the new regional reality when he said, “Azerbaijan has entered a new era. We ended the occupation and started reconstruction. Our vision is clear: peace and development based upon international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, mutual respect, and cooperation.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also acknowledged progress. Speaking at the Orbeli Forum 2025, he stated, “Armenia and Azerbaijan recognise each other’s territorial integrity based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, open regional communications based on the Washington Declaration, carry out delimitation according to the agreed regulation, and leave each other in peace.”

The Zangezur Corridor and new transport routes

President Aliyev says that the outcome of the peace agreement brought about a positive regional cooperation relationship between both countries.

“One of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangezur Corridor," said Aliyev.

"The Zangezur Corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor,” he added.

Regional cooperation is already visible. The transportation of Kazakh grain to Armenia via Azerbaijan has officially begun, marking a significant step in regional economic integration.

Azerbaijan is also advancing major infrastructure projects along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TRIPP), reinforcing the Middle Corridor and expanding transit capacity across Eurasia.

Reconstruction and development

After liberation, Azerbaijan launched large-scale reconstruction across Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.

Shusha’s historical monuments, cultural institutions, and residential quarters are also being restored, while Fuzuli has been transformed into a major transport and logistics hub.

Khankendi is also rapidly reviving — Karabagh University is now operating in the city, enrolling students from across Azerbaijan, including many high-scoring entrants, and the city today is home to more than 8,000 residents.

Under the First Phase of the Great Return Program, 140,000 people are set to return to 8 rebuilt cities and 100 restored villages.

The process began in Zangilan’s 'Agali Smart Village' and continues across newly redeveloped areas.

Reflecting the country’s determination to restore life in the region, President Ilham Aliyev stated: “We will turn this region, we will turn Karabakh into a paradise. We will forever live in these lands. No one can ever move us from these lands. Karabakh is ours! Karabakh is Azerbaijan!”

His words capture the spirit behind the rebuilding efforts and the long-term vision guiding the Great Return.

Victory Day on 8 November not only commemorates military achievements but also highlights Azerbaijan’s resilience, unity, and ability to rebuild and transform its liberated territories.

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Azerbaijan VictoryDay Karabakh Shusha Fuzuli ZangezurCorridor SouthCaucasus RegionalPeace