In a sweeping assessment of the South Caucasus on December 16, Mikhail Kalugin, a senior official at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused Western nations of pursuing a "policy of division" designed to destabilize the region. He detailed Moscow’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan through the Russian House initiative and to engage with Armenia on strategic railway projects and humanitarian issues, such as the detention of businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

Kalugin stated that Western countries have intensified "destructive activities" in the South Caucasus to undermine relations between regional states and Russia. He emphasized that developments in the region directly affect Russia’s security and economic interests, characterizing Western actions as a "no-holds-barred game" intended to inflame tensions. According to the diplomat, the West views the region merely as a pressure point to harm Moscow at the expense of local interests.

Regarding bilateral relations, Kalugin noted that Russia remains committed to opening the Russian House in Baku and continues active diplomatic contacts with Azerbaijan. On the Armenian front, he expressed Moscow's readiness to consult on the "Trump Road" initiative. He noted that since the project involves infrastructure managed by South Caucasus Railways (a subsidiary of Russian Railways) and passes through areas monitored by Russian border guards, implementation without Russia's participation would be difficult.

Finally, Kalugin addressed the six-month detention of businessman Samvel Karapetyan in Armenia. He confirmed that the Russian Embassy in Yerevan has secured consular access and is receiving updates on his condition through lawyers. Moscow continues to raise the matter with Armenian authorities, noting that Karapetyan remains in custody without a court decision.