Russia’s withdrawal from South Caucasus is pure fantasy – Alexander Krylov

Speaking with Alpha News, Alexander Krylov, Chief Researcher at the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), commented on the Washington agreements between Baku and Yerevan and whether they could lead to Russia’s withdrawal from the South Caucasus.

“There have been many agreements over time, but if the Washington agreements had resolved all the issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and if the United States could replace all the powers bordering this region—Russia, Iran, and Turkey—then one could talk about Russia leaving the region. But that’s pure fantasy, inherently unfeasible,” Krylov said.

According to the expert, it is unlikely that the Washington agreements will bring lasting peace to the South Caucasus.

“It is good that the process is moving in a peaceful direction, but there are serious doubts about the goals set before American diplomacy. I do not believe the main objective is to make the South Caucasus a prosperous region. The American administration is focused on its own interests. These interests lie in establishing strategic influence in a key part of the world—specifically along the border with Iran, in the context of the Israel–US–Iran confrontation. The region may face additional problems because new global players are entering the scene. We can assume that new conflicts and challenges may emerge for the countries in the region,” Krylov concluded.