On August 8, a peace agreement was initialed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the USA, and an agreement was reached regarding the Zangezur corridor. Russia's initial reaction to this agreement was not very positive. Currently, Russia's desire to participate in the Zangezur corridor in one form or another is felt.
So, what could Moscow's desires and expectations from the Zangezur corridor be?
In a statement to Modern.az, political scientist Zaur Mammadov stated that Russia could use the Zangezur corridor for access to Turkey and the Middle East:
“Russia had put forward its intention to use the Zangezur corridor in one form or another, based on the trilateral statement. Currently, the situation has not actually changed. Russia can use Zangezur for access to Turkey and the Middle East. Azerbaijan, on the contrary, is interested in the participation of all countries around the region in this project. It is no coincidence that the "3+3" format and other platforms were aimed at further developing our relations with neighboring states through communication lines and economic projects. In this context, Armenia can gain access to Iran via the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, while Russia can gain access to Turkey and the Middle East by using the territories of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijan's main criterion is not to turn Zangezur into a geopolitical battleground. This is very dangerous. The criterion is that global powers – be it the West, Russia, or Iran – should understand that this corridor must play a role in general welfare".
The political scientist emphasized that there is concern in Russia and Iran regarding the US agreement with Armenia on Western Zangezur:
"It has also been explained to them that there is no need for concern; here, simply, a US company will be engaged in resolving technical issues. That is, these are matters between Armenia-Russia and Armenia-Iran. In any case, regardless of anyone's approach, the road will be opened. This is absolute. It would be good if they actively participated in this process, both contributing and benefiting themselves".
