Political scientist: Armenia holds no strategic importance for Russia

Maxim Shevchenko, Russian political scientist

© APA | Maxim Shevchenko, Russian political scientist

# 07 October 2024 18:29 (UTC +04:00)

“Azerbaijan's policy regarding post-Soviet countries is based on justice and the establishment of equally high-level relations with both the Russian Federation and the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, political scientist Maxim Shevchenko said in an interview with journalists, APA's correspondent assigned to Moscow reports.

He noted that the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are grounded in constructive and purposeful dialogue between President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin: "I closely monitor what is happening in the political life of Azerbaijan and the post-Soviet space. Azerbaijan has established relations with any state that proved its subjectivity in the post-Soviet space. Your country’s policy in this regard is based on justice and the creation of equally high-level relations with both the Russian Federation and the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Relations with Russia rely on constructive and purposeful dialogue between President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This dialogue directs our bilateral relations. The regular visits of both Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and other prominent figures to Azerbaijan further strengthen these relations.”

The political scientist also drew attention to the fact that Azerbaijan has successfully established relations based on mutual respect and trust with Turkic-speaking states. Referring to his visit to Shusha, Shevchenko noted that he became acquainted with the infrastructure projects built by the member countries of the Organization of the Turkic States in the liberated territories. He described this step as an example of partnership and solidarity among Turkic states.

Shevchenko noted that over the 20th century, more than 1 million Western Azerbaijanis were expelled from Armenia and expressed his belief that they will return to their homeland and that relations with Armenia will be normalized.

The expert stated that Russia should not bear the responsibility for Armenia, which is deepening its relations with Iran: “Talking one way and acting another is a characteristic trait of France nominally, but essentially it belongs to Armenia. Counterfeiting is a crime in France. The main function of the Armenians has been exactly this. Armenia is no longer a problem for Russia; it is a problem for Iran. Armenia is a small state located outside all transport networks. Armenia has never been a strategic ally of Russia in the Caucasus. Before the 1917 revolution, the Russian Empire relied on the Georgian and Azerbaijani aristocracy.

Armenia is of no use to Russia at all. This country only brings problems with it. Claims that Armenia is supposedly a pillar of support for Russia are baseless. Its existence or absence makes no difference. Russia has established relations with both Türkiye and Azerbaijan, based on personal dialogue with both presidents. Russia has built two Nuclear Power Plants in Armenia. They are operated by Rosatom. Halting their operation would create significant problems for those using their services. Armenia holds no strategic importance for Russia. France is destabilizing the Caucasus region, while Russia has no such intentions. We want the Caucasus to become a region of peace. Realizing the peace initiative proposed by Nikol Pashinyan is also in Russia’s interest."

According to Shevchenko, with Azerbaijan restoring its territorial integrity, the pro-Armenian sentiment in Armenia has also disappeared:

"If an order comes from Tehran, Armenia will fall in line. In that case, why should Russia take responsibility for Armenia? Armenia itself doesn't want this. Let whoever wants to, bear the responsibility for Armenia. Russia does not want the South Caucasus to become a tool for Western agents. We want the South Caucasus to not turn into a region where Western politicians attempt to ignite the flames of war. I follow the decisive policies of the President of Azerbaijan with optimism. I have never once heard the President of Azerbaijan say anything that insults the dignity of the Armenian people. Let those who wish to leave any organization do so. I have never felt Armenia's presence in any structure. After Azerbaijan restored justice and its territorial integrity, the pro-Armenian sentiment in Armenia vanished. Azerbaijan helped Armenia free itself from the pro-Armenian ideology, which contradicts the interests of the Armenian people and destroys their national culture."

Touching on the historically formed separatist tendencies in Armenia, Maksim Shevchenko emphasized the importance of recognizing this as a crime. He noted that such an approach has also harmed Europe.

"If you are living in the territory of a sovereign, independent country, it doesn't mean that after a while you can emerge with the idea of creating a republic. Constantly promoting separatism is a crime," concluded Maksim Shevchenko.

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