Khramchikhin isn’t a Caucasus Specialist, He isn’t an Opinion-Maker in Moscow: Skakov on Khramchikhin’s Scandalous Article and Sargsyan’s Visit to Moscow
“Alexander Khramchikhin and the Kremlin shouldn’t be identified,” Alexander Skakov, PhD in History, Working Group Coordinator at the Central Eurasia Research Center, RAS Institute of Oriental Studies, said reporters touching upon Russian military expert Alexander Khramchikhin’s analytical article for “Military-industrial currier” Russian newspaper and agenda of Serzh Sargsyan’s visit.
Note, in the article Khramchikhin tries to explain and reveal military possibilities and secrets of the Republics of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, which was a reason of a serious critical wave in Armenian social networks and mass media. The article is qualified up to betrayal by Armenia’s strategic ally—Russia.
Alexander Skakov said some information flow occurred. However, according to him, the point is, who needs it under such situation, whose interests it serves.
“Alexander Khramchikhin is a rather original author with inadequate tendencies, in particular, he has very anti-Chinese moods. Let it sound not so strange, he considers Chinese threat as the main for Russia. He has a bit strange imaginations of reality. He, of course, isn’t a Caucasus region expert, accordingly, this was necessary for someone, and that information, if corresponding to the reality, has been transmitted to him by some purposes. It’s another issue, who that might be.
Answer to this question may be given, knowing how credible the circulated information is. Here only questions emerge, who needed this and for whom this was beneficiary, and mainly, how true the information is. Khramchikhin doesn’t have serious connections, he’s an expert working for a private institution, he has connections nowhere and is a figure not having any impact in Moscow. Expert in Africa may also write an article on the Caucasus, and they may think in Azerbaijan and Armenia, that it’s the Kremlin’s disposition, however, it’s not right,” assured Skakov.
As for Serzh Sarsgsyan’s visit, according to the Russian analyst, besides NKR conflict, Armenia-EU ties, situation in the region will be discussed as well from the standpoint of Russia-Turkey tension, as it’s a serious threat to the stability of the region.
“Turkey may implement provocations, surely, military actions won’t develop between Russia and Turkey, however, Turkey may instigate Azerbaijan to some inadequate steps. As for NKR conflict, power balance and possibility of further tension will be under discussion. Regarding relations with the EU, Armenia has a good possibility to become a bridge between the EU and Russia,” Alexander Skakov said.
By Araks Martirosyan
