What Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan Discussed in Moscow

On January 11, various reports have emerged regarding the private conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Inside government circles, different information about the same meeting is circulating, while the opposition tells a completely different story about it. The opposition claims that the conversation between Putin and Pashinyan was cold, during which Putin inquired why there is a tense situation in Armenia, noting that it seems everyone is demanding the Prime Minister's resignation. In response, Pashinyan indicated that not everyone is calling for his resignation, but rather a small group that does not represent the overall public sentiment, emphasizing that the people are behind him and support him.

Pashinyan assured that this group would calm down soon, and that there is nothing unstable. According to the narrative circulated by the opposition, Putin reportedly stated that it is very important for him to have stability in the region, implying that Pashinyan should step down.

Conversely, from government sources, the newspaper 'Zhoghovurd' received information that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan conveyed a completely different account of his meeting with the Russian President to his colleagues. Pashinyan told his close associates that he had a very warm conversation with Putin, during which the Russian President expressed his unconditional support for him. Furthermore, according to Pashinyan's account, if there are either regular or early elections in the near future, Vladimir Putin will publicly support the incumbent Prime Minister. Pashinyan reassured his colleagues that Putin is on his side, and that they have no reason to worry. The authorities, who previously boasted the loudest about sovereignty and mocked those bringing 'political approval' from Russia, have become quite encouraged by Putin's behavior.