Russian diplomat: For Western countries, the South Caucasus is nothing more than a potential "pain point" for Russia
According to him, Russia's fundamental interest lies in peace and development in the Caucasus, aiming to prevent any descent into chaos. "I emphasize that Russia is not simply a neighbor of the South Caucasus. Russia itself is a Caucasian power. We are united with the peoples on the southern side of the mountain range by centuries-old friendship, glorious chapters of shared history, civilizational closeness, and millions of family and kinship ties. For a long time, we lived as part of a single state. At one time, rapprochement with Russia allowed the peoples of the region to preserve their identity. The formation of the state foundations of the South Caucasus republics took place during the Soviet era. I am absolutely convinced that our unique relationship is unaffected by time and external pressure," he noted.
The diplomat added that events in the region have always directly affected Russia, its interests in foreign and domestic security, and the economy. "And that's precisely why Westerners, as part of the 'game without rules' they've begun, have stepped up their destructive efforts. They're trying to stir up the South Caucasus, drive wedges into relations between the region's states and Russia, and drive us apart. This is a policy of division, not creation. After all, for many Western countries, the South Caucasus is nothing more than a potential 'pain point' for Russia. The main goal is to harm our country, at the expense of other countries' interests, and to draw yet another region into anti-Russian designs," he continued.
As the most recent example, Kalugin cited the call by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas for Armenia to join the anti-Russian "sanctions coalition." According to him, this means the EU official has essentially made a confession, revealing Brussels' aggressive and divisive agenda. The diplomat acknowledged that, despite this, the overwhelming majority of countries in the region are demonstrating political foresight in this regard, prioritizing their own, well-recognized interests.
When asked about Moscow's vision for the optimal format of interaction in the region, Kalugin stated that Russia is promoting the principle of "regional solutions to regional issues" in the South Caucasus. "The work of the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, plus Russia, Iran, and Turkey) is built around this formula. This concept, proposed by Azerbaijani partners, was approved, particularly, at the 3+3 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tehran in October 2023.
This format holds significant potential. Three meetings of the platform have already taken place. The final communique of the most recent ministerial meeting in Istanbul in October 2024 highlighted the constructive role of regional interaction in strengthening trust, prosperity, and cooperation, which creates opportunities for economic and trade development by resolving disputes. It was agreed to initiate cooperation in transport, energy, culture, and addressing new challenges and threats. We hope to receive an agreed-upon schedule for the upcoming meetings of the foreign ministers from Baku and Yerevan as soon as possible," the diplomat added.
Touching on cooperation between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in the region, Kalugin emphasized that Russia's stance on the trilateral cooperation format in the South Caucasus is well known and has not changed. He stated that Moscow continues to support the establishment of a lasting peace between Baku and Yerevan based on the trilateral high-level agreements reached in 2020-2022. In this regard, he reiterated that the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia have agreed on a roadmap covering all key areas: developing a peace treaty, unblocking transport and economic ties in the region, delimiting and demarcating the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, and developing public dialogue between the two countries. All of these tracks are interconnected, and progressive progress on each allows for overall results.
"Today, Baku and Yerevan are conducting a predominantly direct dialogue, without intermediaries. The foreign ministers of both republics have initialed the text of an agreement on establishing peace and interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Considering the contribution of the Russian side and Russian President Vladimir Putin personally to the process of Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization, we are pleased to offer our platform to our partners to sign the final document," Kalugin said.
Speaking about the Trump Route project, he noted that Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia were able to reach several mutually acceptable solutions in 2021-2023 through a trilateral working group co-chaired by deputy prime ministers on unblocking communications in the region. According to him, these agreements are still relevant today. He added that their relevance is recognized in both Baku and Yerevan, particularly concerning the Trump Route - a transit route from the territory of "mainland" Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan through southern Armenia. "The details of the Armenian-American project remain to be studied. We are ready to consult with our Armenian partners to discuss the initiative's parameters and potential Russian involvement. There are ample grounds for this.
Essentially, what we have is a section of the route agreed upon within the Trilateral Working Group. Our company, South Caucasus Railways, a subsidiary of Russian Railways, holds a concession to operate Armenia's railway network. The region uses Russian railway tracks. The "route" will mainly traverse the territory overseen by our border guards. Additionally, Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is a factor to consider. It's clear that our partners cannot manage without Russia," the diplomat concluded.