The publication also notes that tensions between Russia and the West will remain under the administration of U.S. President-elect Joseph Biden
This year the Russian leadership has taken a number of steps which may enable it to strengthen its influence abroad. Such evaluation is contained in the article published in The Wall Street Journal.
As stated in the piece, Russian president Vladimir Putin “acted as an intermediary between Armenia and Azerbaijan in November to negotiate peace agreements on Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the newspaper’s assessment, “this strengthened the Kremlin’s status as a mediator in the region and ensured its influence over both states”.
“Authorities in Armenia and Azerbaijan are likely to be more respectful of Russia because they depend on Putin to prevent renewed fighting in the South Caucasus”, – the publication said.
“Russia has made agreements to sell the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to other countries. According to analysts, this may allow Moscow to use soft power against the countries to which these supplies are being delivered, especially in South America and the Middle East”, – the paper reported. It argues that Moscow’s support for Minsk could help strengthen Russia’s influence over Belarus.
However, according to the paper, under the administration of U.S. President-elect Joseph Biden, “tensions [in Russia’s relations] with the West are likely to persist”.