Russian Expert Declares Unprecedented Division in Armenian Society

In the context of increasing military threats against Armenia, where Azerbaijan and Turkey are seeking to strengthen their influence in the South Caucasus and gradually seize some Armenian territories, Armenia's statehood can only be guaranteed by Russia. This was stated by Russian political scientist Vladimir Lepekhine at the conference titled 'The Image of Russia’s Strategic Ally in Modern Armenian Society' held in Yerevan.

Lepekhine complained that the intensification of external threats is accompanied by an unprecedented division and polarization within Armenian society. In previous centuries and decades, when the Armenian society faced the question of survival under the pressure of Muslim neighbors, it was unified in the face of a common threat.

“The Armenians worked systematically for their independence, and it must be said that for the last two centuries, the preservation and development of Armenian statehood were ensured first by the Russian Empire and then by the USSR. However, in the 21st century, a rift has emerged in the strategic partnership and alliance between Armenia and Russia. This became noticeable during President Serzh Sargsyan's term and intensified under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan,” he said.

According to him, the reason for this 'rift' is that a portion of the Armenian elites are not convinced that Russia is Armenia's main and reliable ally and a trustworthy partner. These doubts in Armenia have arisen for two main reasons. The first is related to Russia's certain passivity regarding Armenia as its strategic partner. The second is due to the temptations of Western promises and grants that have lured Armenian elites with the prospect of becoming part of 'Europe.'

He believes that this 'crack' and 'unreliable partnership' in Armenian-Russian relations were the reasons that led to Armenia losing several territories last autumn and now facing a quite complicated situation on its border with Azerbaijan.

“As a result, for perhaps the first time in its long history, Armenia is confronted with a lack of unity among its elites, a clear and understandable vision for the country’s future, especially on the eve of new political trials,” he added.

Lepekhine noted that society is divided primarily with respect to attitudes towards Russia, between forces striving for close union with Russia and those wanting to distance themselves from it for various reasons.

The expert sees the solution to the current situation in strengthening cross-links between social and political groups in Russia and Armenia that advocate for the union and strengthening of strategic cooperation between the two countries. According to him, efforts should also be made to ensure that there are as many representatives of such groups in the governmental structures of our countries (pro-Russian politicians in Armenia and pro-Armenian figures in Russia).