"For some unknown reasons, I have not heard the words "embargo" and "gas" in the statements of western politicians and diplomats on Russia's actions
in Ukraine. Therefore, I think, all these statements, except the one made by Secretary John Kerry, are inefficient and unprincipled," said Alexander Iskandaryan, Head of the Caucasus Institute, talking to reporters, Tuesday.
"We can see an open information war between the West and Russia today. Frankly speaking, Moscow has lost it. Nevertheless, the Kremlin's seems do not care very much for it. It is much more important for the Kremlin to win this information war in the territory of Russia. The statements like 'Admiral of the Russian Navy has delivered an ultimatum to Kyev' are part of that war. Actually, this is a certain shield for the ongoing active negotiations for the
fate of Ukraine and Crimea without participation of Kyev," he said. Iskandaryan thinks that Moscow is studying all the preferential advantages it can get after the situation in Ukraine is resolved. The expert thinks that Crimea has occurred on the 'cutting edge' of centrifugal sentiments in Ukraine, as its population is overwhelmingly Russian. He said that in the eastern regions of Ukraine, the Russian-speaking population is overwhelmingly Ukrainians who do not want to get separated from Ukraine.
"I think no one wants war, and much less Russians do. I have a very high opinion of the Russian special services and I think the notorious casus belli could be easily created in case of desire, for instance, through disguising Russians as Ukrainians. There were many similar situations in history. Hence, I think the situation will be settled via negotiations between the West and Russia as soon as the sides agree on the price," Iskandaryan said.