DISINFO: Western pseudo-mediation views the Caucasus solely as a space for geopolitical confrontation
SUMMARY
The West’s attempts to restore order in the region have not led to anything good, contrary to what they believe. The West's pseudo-mediation is based on a vision of the South Caucasus as exclusively another area of geopolitical confrontation.
Through military programmes and exercises, they are trying to strengthen their military presence in Transcaucasia and take control of the border. This line, aimed not at reconciling the conflicting parties, but at pushing Moscow out, has already led to new problems and challenges, including for Armenia.
Russia, as a country historically present in the South Caucasus, is vitally interested in the prosperity of Armenia, not in the destruction of its statehood.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about an allegedly aggressive West playing a destabilising role in the Caucasus, creating turmoil and chaos. The article also challenges Armenia's statehood, claiming that the West wants Armenia to lose its sovereignty.
Pro-Kremlin outlets frequently promote the idea that the Caucasus is exclusively within Russia's supposed zone of geopolitical dominance and attempt to discredit any other cooperation between Western countries and Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. This is an attempt to deny these countries their right to decide their political orientation.
Read a similar case claiming that the main goal of the West is neo-colonial control over the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Western countries support peace and security in the South Caucasus region. The EU has a strong interest in a politically stable and economically prosperous Southern Caucasus in full understanding with the states there. It took a prominent mediation role in negotiation and is committed to it.
Regarding the claim about Russia's constructive steps in the region: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus has been a region of several ethno-political conflicts — Abkhazia, Nagorno–Karabakh, and South Ossetia. To this day, Russia continues to occupy 20 per cent of Georgia’s territory and impose its will on the people there, including by claiming the transfer of strategically important lands in Abkhazia to Russia. Moreover, Russia proved unwilling or unable to protect Nagorno-Karabakh, contrary to the general understanding of the Russian peacekeepers’ mission following the Trilateral Statement.
Read other similar cases in our database: West seeks to turn the South Caucasus into an arena of geopolitical confrontation; The West is trying to prevent normalisation between Armenia and Azerbaijan; The main goal of the West is neo-colonial control over the Caucasus and Central Asia; The West does not strive for peace in Armenia and the South Caucasus; The West is trying to destabilise the South Caucasus out of envy and endless malice; US is planning to sacrifice protesters to change power in Georgia; The US wants to turn Armenia into an anti-Russian stronghold.