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On January 24, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that his Vice President J.D. Vance will travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan in February 2026 to build on recent peace efforts and advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). J D Vance is seen as the president’s attack dog, unleashed as necessary: in a showdown with the Ukrainian leader in the White House, or on unsuspecting Europeans not used to hearing American displeasure. The visit is significant. Trump said that the visit will “build on our peace efforts, and advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity”. Trump’s boast that he ended eight wars may, at best, be exaggerated. But there is no doubt that on 8 August, in the White House, Trump advanced peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The visit of the Vice President to Armenia and Azerbaijan is a sign that Trump is still focused on his success and will not delegate the matter to the State Department or other parts of the US bureaucracy. That is good news for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The process is still incomplete and fragile. Trump’s attention keeps President Alyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan on their toes, whilst warning off potential spoilers such as Russia and Iran. Does the visit of Vice President Vance signify long-term US engagement with the region? Many people in Armenia and Azerbaijan like to think so, but most likely not. This is a “Trump moment”. Armenia and Azerbaijan should make the most of it, but they need to continue ensuring that the peace process belongs to them. Long before his arrival, Vice President Vance created a stir by what he is not doing, namely, visiting Georgia. The Georgian government has tried to show it is not concerned, but in truth, they are. Very concerned. One of the opposition leaders, Grigol Gegelia, Foreign Secretary of Lelo – Strong Georgia, called Georgia’s absence from the itinerary of the Vice President a “direct geopolitical catastrophe.” Gegelia claimed that the fact that a US official of such high rank is visiting the South Caucasus without mentioning or stopping in Georgia is clear evidence of the country’s deepening international isolation. He argued that the visit demonstrates that Georgia is no longer viewed as a key regional actor by either the United States or the European Union.” reports Georgia Today. Many will watch to see what messages Vance will give on his trip to the South Caucasus next month. source: This commentary was prepared by the editorial team of commonspace.eu It appeared first a a Briefing on the newsletter Caucasus Concise, published on 29 January 2026 photo: US Vice President Vance, with Armenian prime minister Pashinyan |
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Source: This Briefing was prepared by the editorial team of Commonspace.eu |
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Commentary
The visit of Trump’s attack dog to the South Caucasus creates mixed reactions
