US brings South Caucasus under its wing, Kommersant says

US Vice President JD Vance has concluded his tour of the South Caucasus, highlighting the Trump administration’s special interest in the region. The United States has agreed to cooperate with Armenia in the nuclear sector and supply it with intelligence drones worth $11 million, while also establishing a strategic partnership with Azerbaijan. At the same time, the Kremlin noted that Moscow continues its mutually beneficial cooperation with both Yerevan and Baku, Kommersant writes.

According to the publication, Vance’s visit was historic in many respects. It was the first visit of a US vice president to Armenia. Instead of a traditional red carpet, a carpet with traditional patterns was laid at the foot of Vance’s plane stairs. About an hour into the meeting, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Vance spoke with journalists, and the US vice president referred to Pashinyan as a “good friend”, expressing his support.

Ahead of parliamentary elections and amid internal political tensions, this level of recognition from the US administration is particularly significant for Pashinyan and his government.

Shortly after this address, filled with encouraging and motivating statements, Vance departed for Baku.

The visit served as a demonstration of shifting geopolitical conditions in a region traditionally influenced by Russia. At the same time, Moscow has remained cautious regarding US involvement in the South Caucasus.