Russia’s weakness in Ukraine worsens South Caucasus crisis: Saakashvili

PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili wrote in a Facebook post that “developments in the South Caucasus are a direct result of Russia’s weakened position due to its involvement in the war in Ukraine.”

After losing the war, Nikol Pashinyan took steps in Armenia that Saakashvili says he didn’t dare to take himself in 2011–2012: he ordered the arrest of “Armenian Ivanishvili and billionaire Karapetyan.” Pashinyan has also officially committed Armenia to the path of joining the European Union.

“Azerbaijan has begun cooperating closely with NATO. Authorities in Baku now view Russia as a direct threat and are actively working to eliminate Russian influence from the country’s political, economic, and cultural spheres.,” he wrote

More notably, there is growing closeness between Azerbaijan and Armenia—what Saakashvili describes as the most severe blow to Russian interests in the region.

Against this backdrop, Georgia appears to be an anomaly, according to Saakashvili. “The public long despised Ivanishvili and his entourage. The violence, arrogance, and injustice attributed to this group have led many to see the country’s international isolation as a fair consequence. Even members of the ruling Georgian Dream party reportedly feel ashamed of their political affiliation, as they too live in poverty and humiliation,” he wrote.

“Given this situation, it is clear that things cannot go on as they are. As the author notes, “something will happen.” But he stresses that this “something” will not occur on its own—action is needed,” the post said.

Saakashvili argues that the active part of society must take the initiative and break out of the endless cycle. “Global geopolitical developments offer real opportunities for change, but time is running out. In the absence of clear leadership, self-organization is the only viable path forward,” he concluded.