Pundit warns of new crisis in Armenian-Russian relations

REGION  28 March 2024 - 18:21

Armenian pundit Ara Poghosyan sounded alarm bells over the trajectory of Armenia's foreign policy under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's leadership.

Poghosyan cautioned that the current approach poses significant risks, potentially igniting a fresh crisis between Yerevan and Moscow, Caliber.Az reports.

Poghosyan underscored the gravity of recent developments, particularly in light of statements made by Maria Zakharova, the press secretary of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He anticipated that Russia might escalate its response, potentially resorting to economic pressure tactics.

"Both Armenia and Russia must realize that Armenia as a state has the right to serve its interests. The extent to which these interests are best served by the Armenian authorities today can be observed in Armenia's security environment today," Poghosyan remarked in an interview with Armenian media.

He highlighted concerns regarding Armenia's deepening ties with the West, warning that such moves could provoke opposition from Russia. Poghosyan dismissed Zakharova's remarks as biased and divorced from reality, emphasizing that they primarily served Russian interests.

According to Poghosyan, Armenia's current foreign policy lacks strategic justification and coherence. He criticized it as reactive and devoid of a clear doctrinal framework, expressing worries about its implications for Armenia's security and diplomatic standing.

"The provocative policy of the Armenian authorities towards Russia will lead to a new crisis in Armenian-Russian relations, which is dangerous in itself," Poghosyan cautioned.

Poghosyan further noted the inadequacy of Armenia's efforts to diversify its economic and logistical systems, leaving it vulnerable to potential Russian pressure.

"It is also obvious that the Armenian authorities have failed to diversify the economic and logistics system, and will not be able to do so in the foreseeable future," he observed.

In light of these developments, Poghosyan warned of dire consequences for Armenia's statehood, stability, and ordinary citizens should Russia decide to employ its leverage.

Poghosyan emphasized that the provocative policy of the Armenian authorities towards Russia will lead to a new crisis in Armenian-Russian relations, which is dangerous in itself, and in this context, Maria Zakharova’s statement can be considered final.

Caliber.Az