Moscow Makes Two Important Statements Regarding Armenia, Political Analyst

In a message celebrating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between Russia and Armenia, the Russian Foreign Ministry has made two important statements. Political analyst Suren Surenyana writes:

“The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh remains a key factor in maintaining peace. Highlighting the term 'Nagorno-Karabakh', Russia is, in fact, contradicting the claims of official Baku that the NK issue no longer exists and that Karabakh cannot obtain any status. The emphasis on 'Nagorno-Karabakh' by the Russian Foreign Ministry should be used by the authorities in Artsakh to take effective steps towards enhancing their subjectivity. It is not about hearing from Stepanakert from morning till evening phrases like 'Artsakh can never be part of Azerbaijan' without any real implications. Official Stepanakert should strive for direct dialogue with Baku; it is on this platform that the status of NK will be resolved. Official Yerevan should support Stepanakert’s efforts.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry notes that Moscow will continue to assist Yerevan from the position of a “strategic ally,” focusing on strengthening defense capabilities, border security, and the normalization of relations with neighbors. Essentially, Moscow is declaring its readiness to take on the role of mediator in Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish dialogues. The common stereotype that the Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish dialogues contradict Moscow’s agenda or even create grounds for limiting Russian influence in the region is fundamentally misguided. The Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish dialogues should not be opposed to Armenian-Russian relations; rather, they must be viewed in the context of enhancing Armenia’s subjectivity regarding security levels.