Armenian PM: Closer Western ties won’t come at Moscow’s expense Pashinyan fires back at criticism over Moscow parade attendance

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed criticism from pro-Western groups over his upcoming visit to Moscow, calling such remarks inappropriate.

Addressing the parliament on May 7, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia's efforts to strengthen ties with Western countries are not being pursued at the expense of its relationship with Russia, Caliber.Az reports citing Armenian media.

“Our policy of balance does not mean building relations with one side by damaging ties with another. It certainly doesn’t imply refusing visits to Russia or halting the development and deepening of relations with the Russian Federation,” he said.

Pashinyan is scheduled to travel to Moscow on May 9 to attend Russia’s Victory Day parade after his office refrained for days from officially confirming his participation in the event itself. Armenian media reports suggested the hesitation was less due to internal divisions within Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party, despite opposition from pro-Western members, and more about pressure from international partners who warned that attending the parade could have diplomatic consequences.

The pressure on Pashinyan reportedly increased after the prime ministers of India, Hungary, and Slovakia cancelled their participation in the event.

By Nazrin Sadigova