The prime minister of Armenia has criticized his country’s policy of relying solely on Russia for security, calling it a strategic mistake. He stated that Moscow has not been able to ensure Armenia’s security and is gradually reducing its involvement in the wider region. In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Nikol Pashinyan accused Russia of failing to protect Armenia against aggression from neighboring Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Pashinyan suggested that Russia does not view Armenia as sufficiently pro-Russian and believes that Russia is gradually leaving the South Caucasus region. Consequently, Yerevan is seeking to diversify its security arrangements by establishing closer ties with the European Union, the United States, and other countries in the region.
According to Pashinyan, Armenia’s security was heavily dependent on Russia, including the procurement of arms and ammunition. However, with Russia’s need for weapons and ammunition for the war in Ukraine, it is understandable that Russia cannot fulfill Armenia’s security needs, even if it wanted to. Pashinyan emphasized that relying on a single partner for security is a strategic mistake.
Pashinyan’s comments highlight the resentment within Armenia towards what many perceive as Russia’s failure to defend their interests. Moscow, which has chaired talks between Yerevan and Baku in search of a peace deal, has yet to respond to Pashinyan’s interview.
The Nagorno-Karabakh region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but its population is predominantly ethnic Armenians. It achieved independence from Baku in the early 1990s after a war. In 2020, heavy fighting resumed until Russia brokered a ceasefire.
Pashinyan also criticized the Russian peacekeepers deployed to enforce the ceasefire, accusing them of not fulfilling their duties.
Reporter: Andrew Osborn
Editing: Angus MacSwan
Credit: The Star : News Feed
