Russia Alarmed by Insulting Rhetoric from Armenia, Advises Proper Communications Channels

On a recent statement issued by the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, tensions surged as Pashinyan threatened to withdraw from the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) unless the security bloc outlines its commitment to uphold Armenia's security to his satisfaction. This move has raised concerns within the Russian government.

Russian Reaction

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed Russia’s concern regarding what she described as insulting rhetoric and ultimatums from the Armenian political leadership. She emphasized the need for Armenia to utilize appropriate communication channels rather than resorting to ultimatums.

Strained Relations

Armenia, historically a close ally of Russia and home to several Russian military bases, has witnessed strained relations with Moscow following Azerbaijan's recapture of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in September last year. The absence of intervention by the CSTO during these events further exacerbated the situation, leading to a mass exodus of the region's Armenian population to Armenia.

Russian Stance

Zakharova reiterated Russia's stance, acknowledging the right of each country to determine its foreign policy based on its national interests. However, she criticized Armenia's behavior, cautioning against ultimatums and emphasizing the need for dialogue within the framework of the CSTO.

Advice to Armenia

The Russian spokesperson advised Armenia to engage in discussions about its CSTO membership within the organization itself and to utilize bilateral communication channels with Russia for matters concerning their relationship. This advice comes in the wake of Pashinyan expressing discontent with Armenia's long-standing ties with Russia, leading him to question Moscow’s reliability in ensuring Armenia's defense needs. It is important to note that Armenia is also considering applying for European Union membership as part of its efforts to establish closer relations with the West.