Haber Global highlights Pashinyan's frustration over Russia’s non-intervention in 2020 Karabakh war

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is facing growing frustration over his inability to secure Russia's backing during the Second Karabakh War in 2020, as reported by Turkish investigative journalist Emre Öztürk in an article on Haber Global.

In the latest piece, reported by Caliber.Az, Öztürk examines a series of diplomatic setbacks for Armenia, with a particular focus on Pashinyan's strained relations with Moscow.

A notable turning point came in December 2023, when Armenia made the bold decision to sever all ties with Russia during a National Security Council meeting. This move, which has drawn sharp criticism, reflects growing disillusionment with Armenia's traditional ally.

Öztürk also explores Pashinyan’s controversial support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Despite Armenia's pro-Western rhetoric, the country has maintained long-standing ties with Assad, a stance that directly contradicts its supposed European aspirations.

The EU Reporter, an outlet closely aligned with the European Union, previously reported on Armenia’s unwavering support for Assad, labeling the country as a diplomatic loser in the ongoing conflict. With Assad's regime weakened, Armenia has found itself out of step with much of the international community, particularly in relation to its regional rival, Türkiye.

Additionally, Öztürk highlights Armenia's ongoing diplomatic balancing act with Iran. According to official reports from both the U.S. and the EU, Armenia has continued to defy the West’s sanctions on Tehran, a decision that has raised concerns in Brussels. European Union representatives have expressed their dismay at Armenia’s so-called “dual diplomacy,” warning that the country’s position could derail the fragile peace process in the South Caucasus.

For the record, the lack of Russian support during the then-time Karabakh conflict prompted a national debate in Armenia, with an increasing percentage of the population questioning the benefits of continuing CSTO membership. This dissatisfaction contributed to Armenia's decision to distance itself from Russia and seek new alliances with Western countries. In June 2024, Pashinyan announced plans for Armenia to exit the CSTO, citing the organization's failure to fulfil its obligations during the past conflict.  

In response to Pashinyan, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's commitments under the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) did not extend to Karabakh, as it is an internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan.  

By Khagan Isayev