US Vice President's Caucasus Trip: $9 Billion for Armenian Nuclear Power and Pragmatic Azerbaijan Ties

US Vice President Visits Armenia and Azerbaijan

According to ХВИЛЯ: During a visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan, US Vice President JD Vance announced a $9 billion financial package to support Armenia's development of nuclear energy. Expert Tigran Avakyan, speaking with editor-in-chief Yuriy Romanenko, noted this sum is not mere aid but signifies a long-term US commitment to the region. He explained that nuclear power has a 50-60 year operational cycle, ensuring a sustained US technological, physical, and financial presence in Armenia for decades.

Shifts in Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Policy

Avakyan also highlighted Armenia's effective exit from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), signaling a shift in its foreign alignment. Regarding Azerbaijan, he stressed the US is pursuing a pragmatic strategy, avoiding pressure on human rights issues. He described President Ilham Aliyev as an 'ideal partner for soft transformation,' noting Azerbaijan's readiness to adjust its positions in response to Western needs.

The US views Azerbaijan's key roles as:

• containing Iranian influence,
• facilitating energy transit,
• providing logistical support.

Avakyan further emphasized that for Washington, Aliyev is a 'classical contractor,' as he fulfills US tasks without demanding changes to his country's political system. The expert pointed to the importance of Azerbaijan's cooperation with Israel for regional security, giving the US additional reasons to support this partnership. This visit underscores the strategic importance of the South Caucasus, a region historically within Russia's sphere of influence.

“The Caucasus has become 'a suitcase without a handle' for Russia, as it cannot influence Aliyev's decisions, who receives support from Turkey.” - Tigran Avakyan

According to Avakyan, Russia lacks the resources to counter new US proposals, especially while it is focused on the war in Ukraine. In this context, the US is strengthening its regional position, offering Armenia and Azerbaijan new avenues for cooperation.

Vice President JD Vance's trip reflects Washington's growing activity in the South Caucasus, suggesting a strategic reorientation amid declining Russian influence. The financial support for Armenia and enhanced cooperation with Azerbaijan indicate a US drive to bolster its role in energy and security sectors, while adapting both countries' foreign policies to new geopolitical realities. This could lead to further shifts in the regional dynamic and its relationships with external powers.