Armenia’s plan to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is not aimed at Russia, according to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan speaking on Public TV. He stated that the move to ratify the Rome Statute does not have any bearing on Armenian-Russian relations, framing it instead as a decision tied to Armenia’s own national and regional security concerns.
Pashinyan noted that the process of ratification began in December 2022, underscoring that the step is connected to the ongoing dynamics on Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. He laid out a clear linkage between the legal framework of the ICC and the evolving security situation around Nagorno-Karabakh, suggesting that international accountability mechanisms are part of a broader effort to stabilize the region and deter escalations near contested areas.
In his remarks on September 11, Pashinyan provided an assessment of the regional situation, emphasizing that Azerbaijan has been amassing forces in proximity to Nagorno-Karabakh. He described these developments as a cause for concern, framing the need for international legal instruments as part of a measured response to ensure a sustainable pause in hostilities and to safeguard the civilian population amid persistent tensions.
The Armenian leader also indicated that he is aware of the broader regional dynamics, including communications with other regional leaders about the state of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He signaled a willingness to engage with international partners to support a long-term peace process, while making clear that Armenia’s choices in international law are not intended to target any single neighbor but to reinforce a rules-based framework for regional security.
Meanwhile, Pashinyan pointed to consultations at higher levels of government and with international allies, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the border situation. This acknowledgement reflects the ongoing channel of dialogue among the regional powers as Armenia seeks to navigate a complicated security landscape while pursuing international mechanisms that may contribute to stabilizing the border regions and preventing further clashes.
In bridging Armenia’s domestic security concerns with its international legal commitments, the discussion has extended to broader diplomatic efforts, including statements from Turkey and other influential actors in the region. Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have publicly indicated a shared interest in continuing efforts aimed at establishing long-term peace, which involves not only political dialogue but also practical arrangements that can reduce friction and build confidence among neighboring states.
On the other side of the equation, Russian diplomacy has been a part of the evolving scene. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, has been associated with negotiations around the Karabakh issue, reflecting Moscow’s traditional role as a regional mediator with strategic interests in Nagorno-Karabakh and the broader South Caucasus. The evolving positions of Moscow in relation to the conflict and to regional security arrangements have implications for Armenia’s approach to international justice and its strategic alignment with partners who advocate for a rule-based international order.
Overall, Armenia’s pursuit of ICC ratification is framed as a step toward reinforcing accountability and strengthening its legal protections for civilians caught in conflict, rather than a measure aimed at any particular state. The government’s messaging emphasizes that this move is anchored in Armenia’s sovereignty and national security calculus, while also inviting international partners to support a peaceful settlement in a volatile security environment. The ongoing dialogue among Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and other stakeholders continues to shape the contours of how international law, regional security, and humanitarian considerations intersect in the South Caucasus, with the Rome Statute serving as a potential anchor for future actions that promote stability and accountability in the region.