FM denies Russia's request for Armenia's involvement in Ukrainian war

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has said that Russia never asked or suggested Armenia to participate in the Ukrainian conflict.

Mirzoyan made this statement in an interview with Finnish Lännen Media news agency, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"Honestly, we were never offered, pressured, or expected to participate in the war in Ukraine in any way. There was not such an attempt," he responded to the journalist's inquiry.

Mirzoyan also criticised the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) for its indifference towards the protection of Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We never received any real support. This indifferent attitude has led to immense disappointment,” Mirzoyan stated.

He added that Armenia is working to strengthen its ties with European partners.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry commented on the relationship between Moscow and Yerevan. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Russia has not renounced its military-political agreements with Armenia.

This came after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declined to participate in the CSTO summit in Astana. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed this decision, stating that every country has the right to choose its course in the field of security.

Moreover, Mirzoyan noted that Armenia and the EU are holding negotiations regarding a new document aimed at deepening bilateral relations. 

"You know our policy, which is focused on bringing Armenia closer to the EU. Armenia is currently implementing a policy aimed at significantly deepening relations with the EU. Negotiations are now underway on a document called the New Partnership Programme," he said.

He said that this is a comprehensive document that covers various spheres of cooperation.

"While building a democratic society, we are naturally seeking opportunities to strengthen ties with other democratic societies. It is only natural that we look towards the EU, which includes many developed democratic countries," said Mirzoyan. 

He also stated that the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) did not render assistance to Armenia.

"We have not received any real support. This indifferent attitude has led to immense disappointment. We are currently in a significant process. Where this process will take us, I cannot say, but I can say that we are deepening our relations with our European partners," stated Mirzoyan. 

He added, "There is EU involvement in Armenia's security matters."

"We have a dialogue format with the EU on political and security issues. The EU has a mission in Armenia that conducts monitoring along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Mirzoyan said.

By Naila Huseynova