Russia in Global Affairs

The establishment of alternative routes, not vulnerable to NATO’s dominance, is critical for Russia. If Russia’s relations with the West improve, the project will remain important for enhancing Russia’s potential as a transit state in a normalized political environment. It will also serve as a safeguard against efforts to stifle the Russian economy by blocking its Black and Baltic Sea routes in the case of escalating tensions with the West. Moreover, Russia will benefit from a stimulus to develop its eastern territories and to deepen integration with Eurasia.