Russian spokeswoman: France compensating in Caucasus for African policy setback

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has criticized France's increased involvement in the Caucasus, suggesting it serves as a form of compensation for perceived failures in Africa.

Speaking on the program "Sunday Evening with Vladimir Solovyov" on Russia 1 channel, Zakharova stated, "The growth of Paris' activity in the Caucasus is a kind of compensation in the public and political consciousness against the background of the failure of French policy in Africa", Caliber.Az reports.

Zakharova further elaborated on what she termed as France's "experiments" in the region, suggesting they include activities under the guise of peacekeeping efforts.

"We realize that this has nothing to do with peacekeeping," she remarked. Emphasizing Russia's role as a mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, Zakharova expressed scepticism about France's motives in the region. "It was our country that assumed and fulfilled the entire peacekeeping role even in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement as a mediator. Now, after the most difficult phase is over (hopefully over, if France as a NATO member does not start stirring up the embers again) they can show off there," she added.

The remarks from the Russian diplomat come in the wake of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's official visit to France in late February. During a joint briefing with Pashinyan, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed Paris' support for efforts aimed at establishing a just and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.

Zakharova's comments highlight growing tensions between Russia and France over their respective roles and interests in the Caucasus region, with Moscow expressing scepticism regarding France's intentions amidst what it perceives as a setback in its African policy endeavours.