Russia asserts that the viability of the TRIPP transport project in the South Caucasus region directly depends on taking its national priorities into account. This position was voiced by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with RTVI.
He emphasized that the implementation of this transport corridor would benefit significantly from Russia's involvement. Galuzin recalled that issues related to restoring ties between Armenia and Azerbaijan were previously discussed within the framework of a special trilateral working group involving Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
"Transit through Armenia—incidentally, regarding the Eurasian Economic Union—must be carried out in accordance with the norms and regulations of the EAEU, which Armenia, as it claims, does not want to leave. Finally, the 'Trump route' will pass through an area guarded by Russian border guards, who have been guarding Armenia's borders with Turkey and Iran for decades, alongside their Armenian counterparts. "So, one way or another, Russia's opinion will have to be taken into account, as will the opinion of the Eurasian Economic Union. Therefore, we believe the project would only benefit from Russian participation," Galuzin asserts.
The diplomat also expressed doubt about the project's prospects. He believes that an increased American military presence near the Iranian border could provoke a negative reaction from Tehran, and there is also the possibility of China expressing interest in this route.
Previously, Armenia, the United States, and the European Union did not mention Russia as a partner in the TRIPP route. The parties plan to establish a large-scale logistics network from Asia, through the South Caucasus, and to Europe without Moscow's participation and bypassing its territory.
