Is this the next target on Russia’s hitlist?
- Armenia is facing new threats following the ethnic cleansing of its population in Nagorno-Karabakh a year ago.
- Russia's foreign minister has signaled support for Azerbaijan's ambitions regarding the Zangezur Corridor, which would disrupt Armenia's territorial integrity.
- The West must take a stand to protect Armenia's sovereignty and prevent further aggression from Russia and Azerbaijan.
A year after the ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia faces new threats, particularly regarding the proposed Zangezur Corridor through its southern Syunik province. This corridor, supported by Russia's foreign minister, would disrupt Armenia's connection to Iran and create a direct route between Azerbaijan and Turkey. The situation is exacerbated by the inaction of Russian peacekeepers, raising concerns about Russia's complicity in Azerbaijan's ambitions. Historically, Zangezur has been an Armenian region, and its control has significant implications for regional geopolitics. The ceasefire brokered by Russia in November 2020 included provisions for unblocking transportation routes, which could further integrate Turkey and Azerbaijan, enhancing their influence in the South Caucasus. This development poses existential threats to Armenia, a small democracy surrounded by aggressive neighbors. The alliance between Russia and Azerbaijan, both led by authoritarian regimes, has led to a strategy aimed at marginalizing Armenia. The West, particularly the European Union and the United States, is urged to oppose any attempts to undermine Armenia's sovereignty over Zangezur. Diplomatic measures, including sanctions and public condemnation, are necessary to prevent further aggression. The situation calls for a unified response from the West to support Armenia and hold Turkey accountable for its actions. As a NATO member, Turkey's involvement in Azerbaijan's ambitions should not be overlooked, and the West must make it clear that such territorial encroachments will not be tolerated.