Further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and interference of Russia may push not only Kiev but also Tbilisi to speed steps for joining NATO, political expert, deputy director of the Caucasus Institute, Sergey Minasyan, said at today's press-conference. He also added that the events in Ukraine may seriously affect placement of forces at the post-Soviet area.
Minasyan recalled that the EU has already said about its readiness to sign the political component of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. Such a circumstance is notable in the context that earlier the EU refused to sign the political component of the Association Agreement with Armenia when the latter decided to join the Customs Union. "We see bright demonstration of the dual standards by Brussels. So, if the EU wants, it may let itself sign the political component of the Association Agreement with this or that member state of the Eastern Partnership. On the other hand, signing of the agreement with Ukraine will create a precedent which Armenia may use later when conducting more flexible policy with the European Union", - Minasyan said.