H. A. PASHAYAN, PhD in Political Sciences, Associate Professor, Research Fellow, Center for Regional Strategic Studies, INSS, NDRU, MOD, RA

SUMMARY

The above study rests upon the assumption that due to the results of the present efforts aimed at the conflict settlement in the Ukraine, the problem will not be fully solved with all of its consequences; moreover, the tension between Russia and Europe will keep on. As a result, Russia will be bound to spare substantial efforts and resources in the direction of the West, this resulting in that it will be deprived of the opportunity to restore its influence in the South Caucasus to its previous scale.

Moreover, the Armenian perception of both Russia and Turkey has changed. Russia is no longer viewed as an ally ready to protect Armenia from a third party attacks. Meanwhile, notwithstanding the actuality of the numerous problems, the settlement of Armenian-Turkish relations is perceived as a favorable prerequisite for both economic development and security matters, for which it has nowadays become one of Armenia’s foreign policy priorities.

However, despite dependence on the nature of global processes, in the years to come Russia will remain one of the most influential players in the South Caucasus. This means that in respect to Armenia’s orientation towards the West, maintaining good neighborly relations with the Russian Federation is of utmost significance. Consequently, in connection with the need to ensure national security, instead of choosing one of the parties to a future world conflict and becoming the bearer of its interests, Armenia should maintain a balance between the world centers of power, defending our national interests.