Azerbaijan–Armenia peace deal reduces Russian influence, expert

The peace agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a historic decision that diminishes Russia’s influence in the region, though it does not rule out the possibility of renewed Russian activity, expert Nino Kalandadze, director of the Chavchavadze Center, said.

According to her, both Azerbaijan and Armenia have taken the right steps.

“Azerbaijan managed to swiftly mobilize its resources and form new political and military alliances with a major partner — Turkey — replacing its previous alliance platform with Russia. Armenia, which had been the last remaining bastion under Russian control through the Karabakh lever, has also found not only a national but a strong leader who quickly and correctly assessed the current situation. Despite political risks, he decided to replace Russia entirely with dialogue with its former enemy, ally with Turkey, and thus secure a serious path toward the West,” Kalandadze stated.

The United States, Azerbaijan, and Armenia have signed an agreement to create the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.”