The Zangezur Corridor: Russia’s Strategic Calculations in the South Caucasus

Author: Alireza Mamdouhi

The Zangezur Corridor, a proposed transit route through Armenia allowing Turkey greater access to Central Asia, is viewed by Russian media through the lenses of geopolitics and economics. These outlets analyze the Corridor’s positive impacts on regional trade against its negative effects on Russia’s influence in the South Caucuses, its relationship with Iran, and its ability to manage post-war tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

Russian Media’s Perspective on the Zangezur Corridor:

Major Russian media outlets, including both state-run and independent sources, provide neutral to cautious coverage of the Zangezur Corridor, emphasizing that while the project could enhance regional trade, it must align with Russia’s broader strategic interests. These outlets also highlight the need to maintain a balanced approach between Armenia and Azerbaijan, given Russia’s economic and political ties to both countries.  

Some analysts suggest that if Azerbaijan and Turkey dominate the Corridor’s development, Russia could see its influence wane, especially if Armenia views the project as forced upon it without Russian mediation. In order to maintain its influence in the region, other reports argue that Russia should play an active role in administering the project and work towards integrating it into broader Russian-led initiatives such as the North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC). 

Russia’s Concerns About Turkey’s Expanding Influence:

Turkish involvement in the Zangezur Corridor is a major concern in Russian media discourse. Outlets such as Vzglyad and Tsargrad TV highlight that the project aligns with Turkey’s larger ambitions in the Turkic world, potentially challenging Russia’s traditional dominance in the Caucasus and Central Asia. At the same time, Russian analysts acknowledge that blocking the Corridor outright could strain relations with Azerbaijan, a key energy and trade partner. As a result, some reports suggest that Moscow may support a modified version of the trade route that ensures Russia maintains a stake in its operation, potentially through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) or other regional mechanisms. 

Iran’s Opposition and Russia’s Position:

Iran’s opposition to the Zangezur Corridor is frequently analyzed in Russian media, with reports from EADaily noting that Tehran fears losing its strategic leverage in the region. While some Russian reports validate and sympathize with Iranian concerns, others suggest that Russia might be able to utilize these shifting dynamics to increase its influence in shaping transport routes between Europe and Asia. Such analysts argue that, while Russia has historically cooperated with Iran on economic and security matters, Moscow must now prioritize its own regional influence over maintaining Iran’s transit dominance. 

Conclusion:

Russian media presents a nuanced view of the Zangezur Corridor, balancing its potential economic benefits with concerns about Azerbaijan’s growing influence, Turkish expansionism, and Iranian opposition. As geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, Russia is likely to position itself as the key mediator in determining the Corridor’s future, ensuring that it remains central to the region’s evolving power structure.