The key goal of this policy is diversification of access. Until now, these states have been dependent on commercial infrastructure that provides access to the West only by going through Russia. Such dependence makes them extremely vulnerable to Russian economic leverage. And Russia fully understands the advantages of such leverage. Depending on who is in charge there, Russia can use its energy transportation leverage to usurp the sovereignty of these states by limiting their independent access to the West.
Energy dependence is the most powerful type of political-economic dependence.
Recognizing this, the United States tries to diversify its energy sources as much as possible and has in place a firm policy that seeks to guarantee that oil supplies cannot be used to blackmail or threaten its sovereignty. Dependence on Russia's transport infrastructure could potentially return the new Caspian-Black Sea states to a permanent Russian sphere of influence, an outcome that would undermine the region's shaky stability and even pose a threat to world peace. After all, these states are going through a process of national awakening, and many of their citizens feel strongly about independence. Some would rather fight than give in to constant Russian pressure. To avoid this, their leaders would like to establish balance between their relations with Russia and the rest of the world.