Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Baku on Aug. 18 for a two-day visit for talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. The trip marks Putin’s first visit to the capital since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The talks, which the Kremlin says will focus on “international and regional problems,” will likely largely center around strengthening relations with the oil-rich nation, as well as reinforcing cooperation of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) amid Russia’s deteriorating relations with Armenia. Much to Russia’s dismay, A…