In a recent interview on CNN Prima News, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, clarified Armenia’s position amid the war in Ukraine. He asserted that Armenia does not stand as an ally of Russia in the ongoing conflict, signaling a nuanced stance that aims to balance regional interests with a broader international outlook. The interview underscored that while Washington and Brussels are watching closely, Yerevan is navigating a difficult geopolitical landscape where clear alignments can carry significant risks.
Pashinyan emphasized that the Ukrainian crisis touches Armenia directly because it influences the balance of relations within Yerevan’s diplomatic circle. He suggested that external powers may perceive Armenia in ways that do not fully reflect its actual policy choices, pointing out that Western actors may view Armenia as aligned with Moscow, while Moscow itself may interpret Armenia’s actions as independent from Russia. In his assessment, this ambiguity creates a vulnerability for the country, particularly as regional and global dynamics shift and the scope for maneuvering becomes more constrained.
The Armenian leader explained that Yerevan has chosen a strategy of prudent maneuvering rather than delaying decisive views. He argued that this approach is not the result of a lack of conviction but rather a careful calculation to avoid dragging Armenia into broader disputes that could divert it from urgent national priorities. The emphasis is on preserving autonomy while seeking constructive engagement with multiple partners, even as the Armenian public and regional neighbors watch closely for indications of intent.
In parallel, former European Council President Charles Michel highlighted recent diplomatic developments in the broader South Caucasus and the region. It has been reported that discussions addressing the peace process between Yerevan and Baku occurred within a framework that included the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Germany, France, and representatives of the European Union. Michel noted that the dialogue has produced concrete steps, including plans for another high-level meeting between President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, signaling a continued commitment to advance negotiations despite enduring tensions. The reflections from Michel imply that the international community remains engaged in supporting a stable, rules-based path for the South Caucasus, even as mistrust persists between the two capitals. (Attribution: EU leadership communications and regional diplomacy briefings)