Russian official warns of flashpoints of tension on the borders of the Caucasus region

Moscow, 17 Sep (KUNA) -- Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu warned on Thursday of efforts by what he described as Russia's "adversaries" to create hotspots of tension along Russia's borders in the Caucasus region, accusing the United States and European countries of seeking to weaken Russia's position in the South Caucasus.

Speaking at a meeting of the Scientific and Expert Council of the Russian Security Council, Shoigu stated that "the West is seeking to increase the threats facing Russia in the Transcaucasus region and isolate it from the developments taking place in the area."

He added that "Armenia's desire to expand its cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is clear," arguing that Western moves in the region aim to alter the existing balance of power in the South Caucasus.

Shoigu affirmed that Russia will not finance Armenia's integration into Europe—despite the aid and privileges Yerevan receives from Russia—as Armenia seeks to strengthen its relations with the European Union.

These remarks come as Armenia intensifies its ties with the EU while maintaining its membership in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, amid discussions regarding the future of its foreign and security orientations.

In a separate development, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that its forces carried out strikes overnight targeting facilities belonging to Ukraine's military-industrial complex, as well as energy and transport infrastructure in the capital, Kyiv, and in the Zaporizhzhia and Odesa regions.

The ministry also stated that air defense systems repelled attacks by Ukrainian drones, noting that hundreds of drones were destroyed overnight over Russian territories, including Moscow, Rostov, and Yaroslavl.

(END) D.A.N / A.M.S