Major Peace Agreement Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Washington – A new peace agreement brokered by Trump between Armenia and Azerbaijan marks a significant step forward after many years of conflict between the two nations. Experts say this development offers the U.S. a “leverage” point against Russia.

The agreement includes the establishment of a 20-mile transport corridor, somewhat cheekily named the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity,” which will enable Azerbaijan to directly reach its western regions.

“If you check a map of Azerbaijan, it appears in two parts—there’s Azerbaijan, and then there’s Nakhchivan,” someone might explain. “It’s like how the U.S. looks with Alaska, only here, Armenia is sandwiched in between.”

For decades, since the late 1980s, Azerbaijani travelers have been barred from crossing through Armenian territory, a situation stemming from ongoing hostilities.

Back in 2020, Russia, which maintains ties with both nations, was involved in a prior agreement to open a route through the area. However, it never really materialized; as one expert noted, “It’s a bit like trying to ship goods to Alaska via Canada.”

“But Russia, as the power broker, failed to make it happen,” the expert added, highlighting the inadequacies of Russian involvement.

Armenia, which used to enjoy considerable support from Moscow, expressed frustration in 2023 when, during a confrontation over the Nagorno-Karabakh region—occupied by Armenia for over two decades—Russia didn’t provide the expected defense.

This latest deal, announced by Trump, also grants the U.S. exclusive rights for development along the new route, potentially allowing Washington to step into the vacuum left by Russia, further isolating it from its previous influence in West Asia, especially as Putin pursues goals in Ukraine.

President Putin has often expressed his regret over the dissolution of the Soviet Union, describing it as “the collapse of historic Russia” and labeling it the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century.

John Hardy, director of a defense program focused on Russia, mentioned that if U.S. support continues, it could signify a “growing instability” among Russian-aligned “nearby roads.”

“They’ve been on the sidelines in this conflict, using it to maintain leverage between the two political factions,” he added.

As for whether this agreement might impact the ongoing war in Ukraine, that remains uncertain, but Coffey suggested that “Russia will never be pleased” with the new developments in U.S.-Caucasus relationships.

“I’m sure the U.S. and the Kremlin have discussions on this. Who knows what could be arranged behind closed doors?” he remarked, hinting at the complexities involved.

“I wouldn’t dismiss anything this White House considers—though it’s not just a casual matter for them. They see this primarily as a deal on the table,” he concluded.