The Foundation of Russia-KRG Relations

Despite the long relationship between Russia and Kurds, there relations have not crossed the tactical and short-term lines. The key question in this study is to examine the bases of Russia and KRG relations, through asking what Russia-KRG relations are based on? This study has concluded that Russia-KRG relations have always been linked with other issues. The Kurdish question has always been used as a political pressure card against Russia’s rivals in the region for special reasons. Although, the economic factor has been added to Russia-Kurdish relations after 2003, especially energy deals, in fact their relations have not crocs its tactical and realistic boundaries. The history of Russia-Kurdish relations tells us that Mosco has never stayed with Kurdish demands till the end. Furthermore, this study has found that two main drivers influenced the Russia-Kurdish relations. The first factor is Turkey factor, in which Russia had always considered it in its relation with the Kurds. Second, is an energy factor which is a new factor and only emerged after 2003 through Russian oil and natural gas companies working in KRG. It is true that keeping relations with Russia is important for KRG, however over-reliance on these relations is not riskless.