Russian Security Council Secretary Accuses West of Seeking Control Over South Caucasus Resources

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu said the South Caucasus has consistently attracted the attention of Western countries seeking to gain control over the region's resources and transportation routes, according to a report by Russian state news agency TASS.

Shoigu's comments, as reported by TASS, characterize Western interest in the region as part of a broader strategic effort rather than isolated diplomatic engagement. The South Caucasus, which includes Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, has been a site of geopolitical competition involving Russia, Western nations, Turkey and Iran.

The TASS report did not provide additional details on the specific evidence or examples Shoigu cited to support the claim, nor did it include independent verification of the assertions attributed to the Russian official.

Russia has historically maintained significant political, economic and military influence in the South Caucasus, including military bases in Armenia and a peacekeeping presence tied to regional conflicts. Moscow has previously expressed concern over Western involvement in the region, particularly regarding energy infrastructure and transit corridors connecting Europe and Asia.

Western governments have not immediately responded to the specific characterization made by Shoigu as reported by TASS. The statement comes amid ongoing broader tensions between Russia and Western countries over influence in post-Soviet states.