Russia Offered to Halt War on September 29 and Was Refused, Gagik Tsarukyan

The war could have been avoided. I stated on July 5 that we had 3-4 months' time. I expressed this right on the day of my arrest, near the NSS building, saying that we were going to lose Artsakh. Everything was clear, including the incidents in July when a general was killed on their side, and the Turks came and began conducting exercises. We should have prepared, negotiated with Russia, and restored friendly ties. Now it's the 21st century, and war isn't just a battle with automatic weapons. Ninety-nine percent of our soldiers fell victim to drones.

In an interview with "Hraparak," the leader of the Prosperous Armenia party, Gagik Tsarukyan, stated that "to close the airspace, two TOR systems were needed, two divisions. One division cost 30 million; with 60 million, we could have ensured overall security. Our positions were such that the adversary couldn't advance. The most crucial issue was disorganization. The battalions went without proper guidance regarding where to go or from which direction the attack would come. I met with Onik Gasparyan, who said he had no suitable place to send your assembled 2,000 men; I sent them out in small groups, they underwent training, and we deployed groups of 30, 50, and 60 men. On September 29, Volodin organized a meeting in the State Duma, documents came that indicated they could be in Armenia in three hours, and I was informed that we could immediately bring peacekeepers and engage in peaceful negotiations. But it was refused.

If we could have avoided such heavy losses and this disgraceful capitulation... If you refuse, you must be so confident in yourself that you are going to win. There is indeed a call and a document. Developing relations with Russia is our issue. Here, those who provoke anti-Russian sentiments are the enemies of this nation. Iran has been a friendly, kin country for 30 years, but now they say they welcome... I say there is no sector where they haven't failed. But they resort to insults toward family members; that is immorality, it is petty.

Without even having summoned me for questioning, they send a notice to my son; that is immorality!" Tsarukyan stated.

Responding to a question about his aspirations for the position of Prime Minister, Tsarukyan said, "It is not the time for this. Until early elections are held... It depends on the election, the people, and the situation, but today I have no such desire. If there is a necessity, we can think about it. But to say that my life's goal is that is not true."