ArmInfo.The ongoing developments in and round Ukraine do not rule out the most unpredictable geopolitical scenarios, which may cause Russia to leave the South Caucasus, Hovsep Khurshudyan, Chairman of the Free Citizen, NGO said in an interview with ArmInfo.
"The very fact of such a prospect leaves Armenia with no alternative but to immediately start negotiations with the West over its own security - first of all with France, and then with the USA and Great Britain. I think it is we are all are perfectly aware that it is important for us that the West - but not at all Turkey in tandem with its satellite Azerbaijan - fill the security vacuum that could be created in case of Russia's leaving the region," he said.
As regards possible consequences for Armenia in case Russia's military operation in Ukraine succeeds, Mr Khurshudyan said that Moscow will in the course of time start implementing its plan of expansion of the Russia-Belarus allied state at the expense of Armenia, Georgia and Moldova. And Yerevan's "request" will be received by setting Azerbaijan against Armenia.
With respect to the negative impact of the West's sanctions against Russia, Mr Khurshudyan stressed that Armenia will be affected as well. First of all, it will happen because of Armenia's economic and financial dependence on Russia. In this context, the ruble depreciation will cause a decline in money transfers to Armenia and in the purchasing power in Russia, which, in turn, will affect exports from Armenia.
"But we can see positive trends and opportunities as well. I even hope that the recent migration of Russians to Armenia will cushion the negative impact of the anti-Russian sanctions on Armenia. We should also be cautious about the transit of products under sanctions via Armenia. We should realize that they may both afford opportunities and pose threats to Armenia," Mr Khurshudyan said.