Russia's Foreign Ministry Responds to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Recent Address

The Russian Foreign Ministry has responded to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent address, labeling it as containing "unacceptable attacks against Russia." According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the address can lead to nothing but rejection: "It is evident that there is an attempt to shift the blame for the failures in both internal and external policies onto Moscow," the statement reads.

"The head of the government has essentially confessed that throughout this time Armenia has consciously been preparing for a pivot away from Russia," the statement emphasizes. "Russia has always been committed to its allied obligations, respected Armenia's sovereignty, and has never put the republic in front of the choice -- with us or against us. Moscow has provided and continues to provide extensive support to fraternal Armenia in the fields of security, economy, and culture."

According to the Foreign Ministry, it was solely the efforts of Russia and President Putin that prevented Armenia from facing complete defeat in the fall of 2020: "If Pashinyan had agreed to the ceasefire earlier, the defeat would have been less painful." The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused Armenia's leadership of not being farsighted enough to implement a number of agreements on strengthening Armenia's security: "In particular, Pashinyan did not sign the already agreed decision of all foreign ministers of six countries regarding sending a CSTO observer mission to Armenia's territories bordering Azerbaijan."

The Foreign Ministry notes: "As a result of the inconsistent position of the Armenian leadership, which preferred escape and a rush towards the West instead of rhythmic cooperation with Russia and Azerbaijan, the complex implementation of the trilateral agreements has come to a standstill."

The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement also pointed out that invaluable time has been lost during which significant progress could have been made in the agreement of a peace treaty, border delimitation, and the unblocking of regional communications, which would have become an additional factor in ensuring Armenia's security.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also refuted claims that the protests in Yerevan are being encouraged by Russia: "These have no relation to reality." Furthermore, the Russian Foreign Ministry concluded: "We are convinced that the leadership of Yerevan is making a huge mistake by consciously trying to undermine Armenia's centuries-old ties with Russia and transforming the country into a hostage of geopolitical games in the West. We are confident that the overwhelming majority of the Armenian population realizes this as well."