Possible Activation of Armenian-American Cooperation Will Not Affect Armenian-Russian Relations: Andrei Kortunov

The potential activation of cooperation between Armenia and the United States, set against the backdrop of President Joe Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide, will not significantly harm Armenian-Russian relations. This opinion was expressed by Andrei Kortunov, the director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, in an interview with TASS.

“I think it is still too early to consider that these relations could develop to the extent that they could inflict serious damage on the relations between Yerevan and Moscow. It is premature to speak about that yet,” the expert stated.

He noted that although Biden's statement will not greatly impact Russian-Armenian relations, it may activate pro-American political forces in Armenia, as well as generally expand the potential for U.S. influence in the country. “The relations between Armenia and Russia will not be severely wounded; however, there have been, are, and will be political forces in Armenia that are oriented towards the U.S. There are also American commercial organizations, foundations, and media operating in Armenia. Likely, under Biden’s administration, their activities will expand, as Biden is more concerned about human rights issues and the promotion of Western democracy,” the analyst pointed out.

Kortunov also emphasized that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide will greatly affect U.S.-Turkey relations by deepening existing disagreements between them. “This is rather a blow to U.S.-Turkey relations. It is clear that this event has an anti-Turkish character,” Kortunov noted.