France and Turkey are currently blocking NATO's efforts to deepen ties with Caucasus countries. This stems from a disagreement over Armenia's partnership plan renewal, which Turkey opposes unless France approves Azerbaijan's. France and Azerbaijan have had ongoing disputes, including over French support for Armenia and Azerbaijan's detention of French citizens. These delays have led NATO to temporarily extend existing partnerships with Armenia and Azerbaijan, despite new plans being near completion. The proposed new plans would allow for joint military exercises, enhanced training, and increased cultural cooperation. This situation is viewed within the context of the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), which aims to create a NATO military logistics corridor to Central Asia. Azerbaijan is seen as a crucial transit state for TRIPP, posing a challenge to Russia's security interests. Azerbaijan's alignment with the West, including its armed forces conforming to NATO standards and potential naval threats to Russia's Caspian Fleet, intensifies this concern. Furthermore, Azerbaijan's economic integration with the EU, particularly in energy and fostering trade with Central Asia via the "Middle Corridor," is seen as tightening a containment noose around Russia. The author suggests Russia has been too optimistic and not proactive enough in addressing potential crises. Russia should acknowledge the threat posed by TRIPP and Azerbaijan's alignment with NATO. While not advocating for war, Russia has time to propose security guarantees for Azerbaijan, similar to those proposed for Ukraine, to de-escalate the situation. These guarantees could involve Russian inspections of TRIPP cargo and a ban on NATO drills on Azerbaijani territory.