The Connection Between Putin-Aliyev and Putin-Pashinyan Meetings and the Events in Yeghas

Many analysts believe that the border tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Yeghas region had a direct connection with the meetings between Aliyev-Putin and earlier Pashinyan-Putin. In this context, by escalating the situation at the border, Aliyev attempted to extract more from his meeting with Putin, but he was unsuccessful, as the Armenian armed forces responded robustly in Yeghas, which was quite unexpected for Baku. Essentially, Azerbaijan was unable to replicate the Lake Sevan scenario.

This was stated by Levon Shirinyan, the president of the Christian Democratic Party and a political scientist, in an interview with 'First News'. He noted, 'The Armenian army caught not only Azerbaijan but also others by surprise in Yeghas. This indicates that our army is recovering and reorganizing. It means that the military-political leadership of Armenia is already finding itself again after the defeat. I have repeatedly stated that the country and the entire people must overcome the syndrome of being defeated; otherwise, we have neither friends nor allies.'

Shirinyan pointed out that if we look at the military-political history of the Armenian people, it is generally difficult to contend with the Armenian soldier if there’s no conspiracy, no internal enemies, and no fifth column. He stated, 'Look at the Second World War; we are fourth in terms of heroes, despite the fact that it didn't take place in our country or for us. If this consciousness is restored, we will solve all our issues.'

When asked why the adversary is escalating the situation specifically in Yeghas, he responded, 'Yeghas is the center of the North-South motorway that comprises the backbone of Armenian statehood. That is the international route we want to have—connecting India-Iran-Syunik-Ararat Plain-Ashotsk to Batumi. This is an international highway, and not only the EU has a concrete interest in its construction, but also a country like India. Therefore, Azerbaijan wants to have it under its control, while for Russia, this poses a problem because it undermines its pan-Turkic political initiative regarding Azerbaijan.'

Regarding whether the tensions in Yeghas were related to the Putin-Aliyev and Putin-Pashinyan meetings, the political scientist replied, 'Yes and no. Yes, it coincided in time, and the dynamics show that when there are matters with Moscow, the Azerbaijani-Russian tandem takes certain measures. But also no, since this is a strategic issue, and strategy is not confined by time limits. Some Russian figures claim that Russia is a Slavo-Turkic amalgamation, nothing more. In that sense, Putin himself is Eurasian. For more than 100 years, Russian policy has had a Turkish deviation. A major political game is being played here, but the Armenian side must always feel like the master of its territory and history.'