President of the Baltic Security Foundation, Olevs Nikers has said that in response to the increased Russian presence in the South Caucasus, U.S. as well as European actors should have more active position towards this region.

“US as well as European actors should end up in a more active position towards the region, first of all, minimizing Russia's influence in terms of economic and informational influence, reducing energy dependence from Russia in the region, securing alternative energy sources for Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia,” he told the Accent.

According to him, a new reality created in the region does not play in favour of regional peace and stability in the long term.

“Therefore Georgia should utilize all the political, economic and diplomatic arrangements internationally and domestically, what are at its disposal, in order to ensure its national security interests. Internationally it is a diplomatic work with all Georgia's partners in the region, in Europe and overseas. Calling for American troops would not be the first course of action, Georgia might take.” he said.

“I would say, Russia would be the main winner from this situation short term, and both Azerbaijan and Armenia do not benefit from it at all. What will happen long term, depends on behaviour of the other players in the region, and Georgia as well has its role in this play,” Nikers added.