Russia and Ukraine complete major POW exchange in Istanbul deal
Russia and Ukraine have completed a major prisoner exchange, marking one of the largest swaps since the start of the war. The deal was based on agreem...
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
As Armenia and Azerbaijan edge closer to peace, AnewZ asked people in Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku: How will peace between the two nations affect the region? In Part 2 of our special report, citizens share their views on trade, trust, and the road ahead.
Across Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, citizens are weighing the potential ripple effects of peace. Could it open doors to economic growth, or bring new challenges?
Tural Mammadli, Baku:
“…If Armenia opens the Zangezur corridor, it will create major trade routes linking the Silk Road, Central Asia and China through Azerbaijan to Türkiye and Europe. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan will benefit…”
Citizen, Tbilisi:
“I think it could bring more opportunities for travel, jobs, and trade across the South Caucasus. This peace could also make the region more stable, attracting new investment and opening the door to new relationships.”
From corridors to cooperation, many see peace as the key to unlocking regional development.
Marat, Yerevan:
“We need to communicate in order to develop. All republics should develop. In my view, dialogue is very important. There shouldn’t be any hostility.”
But others warn the political legacy of conflict still casts a long shadow.
David Matevosyan, Yerevan:
“It’s having a very negative impact — major powers are involved... there are no prospects for calm or a path toward stability in the region.”
“Puskuna” Giorgadze, Tbilisi:
“I believe it might not affect Georgia in a positive way... Now, it could mean that we’re no longer needed in the same way.”
Generational change may be the key to breaking the cycle.
Leyli Salayeva, Baku:
“I think maybe not our generation, but the next one will be free from these prejudices... I’d love to feel free and at ease wherever I go.”
Khachatur Armenakyan, Yerevan:
“War is a bad thing, very bad, very bad. No ordinary Azerbaijani, no ordinary Armenian wants war.”
Even with disagreements, some things unite both sides: a desire for normalcy, stability, and a more hopeful future.
Togrul, Baku:
“I see only positives, because peace always brings a good and positive impact — not just for both sides, but for the whole region.”
Lernik, Yerevan:
“Conflict is always harmful — peace is absolutely necessary. No one needs tension in the South Caucasus. Ever.”
From Tbilisi to Baku, and back to Yerevan, one message is clear: the region’s fate rests not only in treaties, but in trust, trade, and the shared will for change.
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