Trial of Karabakh junta leaders: Unexpected confessions and revelations Pashinyan’s anxiety will only grow

"Alice in Wonderland" is a tale written by the English mathematician, poet, and writer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pen name Lewis Carroll, first published in 1865. It tells the story of a heroine who falls down a rabbit hole into an imaginary world populated by strange anthropomorphic creatures.

I wouldn't say that the former leaders of the Karabakh junta resemble any of the characters in this story, but there is a moment in the book that accurately describes their testimony during the trial in Baku: "Curiouser and curiouser! Curiouser and curiouser! Everything is stranger and stranger! Everything is becoming more and more marvelous!" – Alice chattered.

Indeed, the situation surrounding the individuals accused of numerous grave crimes is becoming increasingly strange and surreal. Take, for instance, the Russian-Armenian oligarch Ruben Vardanyan. He has always kept a distance from the other former leaders of the Karabakh clan. This was, in part, due to his belief that, thanks to his connections, financial means, and the publicity generated by various foreign media outlets, he could secure his release far sooner than the other accused. However, as they say, that wasn’t the case – Vardanyan now finds himself answering all the court's questions.

This turn of events is clearly displeasing to Vardanyan's family and those eager to profit—both financially and politically—from the situation. As a result, we are now witnessing even failed political figures, like priest Bagrat Galstanyan, seizing the moment to remind the world of their existence by demanding the release of Ruben Karlenovich.

This becomes even curiouser and curiouser when we recall how many times this puppet of Robert Kocharyan has issued ultimatums to the Armenian leadership. And what came of it? The so-called "holy father" was repeatedly ignored. He has become the subject of ridicule even within Armenia, and now this sinking project of Armenian politics is attempting to pull itself out of the swamp by the hair—much like Baron Munchausen—by playing the role of Vardanyan’s defender.

Adding to this theatrical cast is a "midfielder" of sorts—footballer Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Yes, the same one who built himself a villa in Karabakh. He, too, is now mumbling statements in support of the Russian-Armenian oligarch. But speaking in football terms, Mkhitaryan’s shots are not just off-target—they’re complete airballs. Perhaps it's best for Henrikh Hamletovich to stick to running on the field—that’s something he does far better.

Meanwhile, the search for new "culprits" behind Vardanyan’s failure to escape from Khankendi has already begun. Armenian journalist Tatul Hakobyan made a sensational claim:

"Russian peacekeepers made several attempts to transport Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan from Stepanakert (Khankendi) to Sisian by helicopter, but they were unsuccessful—Azerbaijan prevented them. The Russian peacekeepers did not attempt to evacuate other Armenians, including Ruben Vardanyan, from 'Artsakh,'" he stated. He further added that the Russian president and foreign minister "did not hide their dislike of Ruben."

A truly curious statement, to say the least. It suggests that the former leaders of the Karabakh junta, during Azerbaijan’s anti-terror operation in the region, were scrambling for any possible escape route—without the slightest concern for one another. As it turns out, Ghukasyan and Sahakyan even tried to flee by helicopter. Not on a blue one, like the wizard from a children's song, but in this case, colour was irrelevant—what mattered was that Azerbaijan thwarted their attempts. So the version that this entire group surrendered voluntarily sounds downright ridiculous.

At the same time, one of those who failed to escape by helicopter from Khankendi has already made statements that must be causing serious unease in Armenia’s leadership. Arkadi Ghukasyan openly admitted that "the Republic of Armenia acted as a guarantor for Karabakh." In principle, this is something Nikol Pashinyan himself once stated when he played the role of a "hawk of war." But now, as he attempts to portray himself as a "dove of peace," Ghukasyan’s confession is ruining the script for Nikol Vovaevich.

"Of course, within this group of unresolved issues, while the conflict remained unsettled, little Karabakh could not defend itself alone," said Arkadi Ghukasyan.

In essence, he admitted that Armenia provided political, financial, and military support to the Karabakh separatists. This, in turn, means that Nikol Pashinyan bears full and direct responsibility for the start and course of the war.

Interestingly, Arayik Harutyunyan had previously stated in court that he was not the one who ordered the missile strikes on Ganja. According to him, he lacked both the real authority and the means to carry out such an act. The implication regarding Nikol Pashinyan was anything but subtle.

Similarly, Ghukasyan’s remarks also cast a heavy shadow over the Armenian prime minister. He detailed his experience in Khankendi during the 44-day war, revealing that he had met with Bako Sahakyan and together they approached Arayik Harutyunyan, "asking him to use all the resources at his disposal to demand that Armenia stop the war."

It now emerges that Pashinyan ignored the Karabakh junta leadership’s pleas to end the war.

We recall that during the 44-day war, Azerbaijan repeatedly urged Armenia’s leadership to comply with lawful demands. Yerevan refused. Instead, it continued financing and arming the Karabakh separatists—even after the war had ended. This is precisely why Azerbaijan was ultimately compelled to carry out an anti-terror operation, leading to the capture and extradition of the former junta leaders to Baku.

And yet, this is far from the final chapter of the story. What other revelations will emerge as the former Karabakh junta leaders take the stand? Things are only getting curiouser and curiouser.