The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes the withdrawal of Russian troops from Azerbaijan and the beginning of Russia’s military departure from Armenia. Both events mark a dramatic decline in Russia’s political influence and presence in the region, which is finally becoming free after centuries of political domination.
UWC also supports ongoing peace negotiations facilitated by international mediation between Armenia and Azerbaijan that aims to establish lasting peace in the region.
UWC President Paul Grod said, “Russian interference brings only suffering and instability. We welcome the decline of Russian influence in the Southern Caucasus. With support from the EU, the U.S., and Türkiye, regional nations can pursue sustainable peace. Democratic and sovereign Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are essential for EU and Ukrainian security.”
Since the late 1980s, the Kremlin had been using ethnic diversity and misunderstandings in the Southern Caucasus region to fuel tension, hatred, and armed conflicts.
Cover: Sergei Grits/Copyright 2020 The AP.