Artem Turov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Citizens, commented on the involvement of Western politicians and media in Armenia. He suggested that these figures were aligned with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and supported his leadership during the current crisis surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to Turov, Western actors are backing a political agenda that places responsibility on Russia. He claimed that the actions of some Western journalists are aimed at presenting a narrative where Moscow bears the blame for events unfolding in the region, rather than the Armenian authorities who are managing the situation on the ground.
Turov stated that public discontent within Armenia is visible, and he warned that Western journalists may attempt to obscure the reality that Armenian authorities are using force to quell demonstrations and silence opposition voices. He framed this as a tactic to deflect accountability away from the leadership in Yerevan and toward external powers that supposedly influence the narrative.
On the ground, Turov praised the performance of Russian peacekeepers, describing their actions as swift, professional, and focused on saving lives. He asserted that the peacekeeping mission is actively protecting residents of Nagorno-Karabakh by facilitating evacuations and stabilizing the region, while implying that Western powers are prioritizing political protection for Pashinyan over the local population.
To recount the broader timeline, observers note that on September 19 the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense announced the launch of a localized anti-terror operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. A day later, representatives from Baku and Karabakh reached a ceasefire with the involvement of the Russian peacekeeping forces. The agreement stipulated the disbandment of Karabakh’s armed formations and the removal of heavy equipment, with the Russian peacekeeping mission tasked with overseeing and verifying the implementation of these provisions. This sequence of events has intensified discussions about the role of external actors and the strategic interests shaping the conflict, as reflected in commentary and analysis from diverse political perspectives. In assessments published by various state and media sources, the emphasis remains on the balance between regional stability, regional security guarantees, and the international community’s response to the evolving situation. In the period following the ceasefire arrangement, observers have continued to monitor the withdrawal process and the conditions under which it proceeds, acknowledging the delicate nature of peacekeeping responsibilities and the potential implications for local communities. Attribution: official statements and regional monitoring reports