It is unwise to view Azerbaijan as a reliable ally for Russia in the South Caucasus because of its close cooperation with Turkey, Tsargrad writes.
According to expert Alexander Burenkov, Ankara is the representative of NATO in the South Caucasus, which hides its anti-Russian sentiments badly. Political observer Vladimir Khomyakov believes that Russia left Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, and NATO is already on the southern borders of Russia.
“Under the influence of the pro-Azerbaijani lobby in Russia, contempt for Armenia has led to the fact that we have lost an important strategic point in terms of defense,” the expert noted.
In his opinion, Russia should have tried to prevent Pashinyan from coming to power in Armenia. Thus, Moscow lost its southern outpost, i.e. Artsakh, so now it is important for Russia to establish as close relations with Iran as possible.
In this regard, Foreign Affairs wrote that by deciding to withdraw troops from Artsakh, the Kremlin acknowledged that the economic security of the South Caucasus, at least for now, is more important.
Russia is in desperate need of partners to circumvent Western sanctions. In this regard, the reconstruction of overland routes with Iran is of prime importance. The most attractive route is the so-called “Zangezur Corridor”, which passes through the territory of Armenia.
Thus, the opening of the corridor under Russian control can be based on an agreement between Azerbaijan and Russia in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Artsakh. “If such a plan is implemented, it will mean a joint Azerbaijani-Russian occupation of the southern border of Armenia, which would be a nightmare for both Armenia and the West. Armenians would lose control over a strategic and important border region. The U.S. and its Western allies would see Russia take a big step toward establishing a coveted overland road and rail communication with Iran. Moreover, Armenia cannot prevent such a deal between Russia and Azerbaijan on its own,” Foreign Affairs wrote, noting that if Russia appears weaker in the region, the West does not appear stronger.
