ABSTRACT
Russia's relations with the Kurds began in the Caucasian War and were an instrument of political, commercial and military expansion of the Russian Empire in Transcaucasia and Persia. This can be attributed to the relations of Russian representatives, diplomats, military officers, traders, travelers and their long-term contacts with Kurdish elites, including Kurdish political leaders. Russia sought to compensate for its losses in Iraqi debts by concluding profitable contracts with Iraq for oil production. The Russian interest in implementing economic projects related to the exploration and export of oil and gas, including that of Kirkuk, will allow Russia alone, with other parties involved, to mediate the settlement of the issue around this disputed region. A referendum on the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan in Kirkuk could be formally legal only after the referendum on including this region under the jurisdiction of the Regional Government of Kurdistan.
