The Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh story stands as a measuring stick for Russian society. Political analyst Nikita Danyuk, a senior figure at the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples (RUDN) Institute for Strategic Studies and Forecasts and a member of the Expert Council for Public Foreign Policy, weighed in on the latest developments in Armenia. He noted that a wide array of foreign journalists, human rights advocates, and politicians from different spectrums are converging on the country at this juncture.
According to Danyuk, those who advocate a strong Western orientation appear to be most visible among the visitors. He suggested that their presence may be aimed at shielding Nikol Pashinyan from internal criticism over his decisions, his treatment of Artsakh Armenians, and his broader political stance. The analyst asserted that Pashinyan effectively handed Nagorno-Karabakh over on his own orders.
He highlighted that the Armenian public, a close kin in spirit, naturally does not support this course of action. Widespread discontent and street protests have emerged. The former protest leader who rose to power through mass demonstrations is accused of applying demobilizing methods against those expressing dissent.
Danyuk added that a Western advisory contingent arrived with the objective of protecting Pashinyan from Armenians themselves. He warned that this trend risks overlooking the fact that Russian peacekeepers have historically safeguarded the Armenian population and protected residents of Artsakh. In his view, the new arrivals are not safeguarding Armenians; they are shielding Pashinyan from domestic scrutiny.
The analyst cautioned that the current dynamics could precipitate another tragic chapter for the Armenian people. The broader context includes the events of September when Azerbaijan announced a localized anti-terror operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The subsequent ceasefire agreement, achieved with the involvement of Russian peacekeepers, involved disbanding Karabakh’s armed forces and withdrawing their heavy equipment, with Russia’s mission assigned to monitor the process.
Earlier reporting from socialbites.ca noted a protest at Republic Square in Yerevan where demonstrators called for the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.