Armenian leadership is doing everything to limit Russia’s influence in South Caucasus — Artur Atayev

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian political scientist Artur Atayev commented on the Armenian authorities’ attempts to prevent the opening of the Russian Consulate in Kapan.

According to the political scientist, the Armenian authorities are opposing the strengthening of Russia’s position in the region.

“I believe the Consulate General in Kapan is not an issue that directly affects the current state of affairs. I think that in the context of this issue, the discussion surrounding the Consulate’s opening is more about the potential influence, expansion, or strengthening of Russia’s position. The opposition is not merely about the Consulate itself but rather about efforts to expand and reinforce Russia’s political, economic, and cultural presence in the region,” Atayev said.

According to the expert, part of the political leadership of Armenia believes that Russia should be suppressed at all levels.

“I am convinced that this is most likely the opinion of not the entire political leadership, but of part of the ‘establishment’, part of the political elite. Part of today’s political leadership realizes that Russia’s influence is much greater, much more significant, and it is more positive than negative. In the context of modern geopolitical processes, where the Ukraine issue remains central, part of the political leadership of Armenia believes that Russia should be suppressed at all levels, and part believes that Russia has proven that it is an independent, integral, serious player on the international stage,” Atayev concluded.