Russia fosters nearby "frozen conflicts"

Columnist Daniel Vernet studies the role played by Moscow in Central European 'frozen conflicts', such as in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Karabakh and Transnistria. "Let alone sporadic incidents, the situation in these regions has been frozen for years. Central states cannot take control, either politically or militarily. Russia supports separatists, but does not acknowledge their claim to sovereignty. (...) For one down-to-earth reason: avoid any risk of contagion across Caucasian Republics belonging to the Russian Federation. (...) Status quo is perfect for Russia. It's a mean of pressure on its neighbours, and a way of feeding obsession in countries looking westwards."

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