Armenia's dependence on Russia is a strategic mistake — Armenian Prime Minister

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that his country's dependence on one centre, i.e. Russia, is a strategic mistake.

He said this in an interview with La Repubblica.

The country's government is currently trying to change its security policy.

"Armenia's security architecture was linked to Russia by 99%, including in the acquisition of arms and ammunition. Today, when Russia needs weapons and ammunition, it is clear that even if it wanted to, Russia would not be able to meet Armenia's security needs. This example should show us that in the security sector, dependence on or ties to only one centre is a strategic mistake," Pashinyan said.

According to the Armenian prime minister, Russian partners tell the Armenian side that Western countries are working with Armenia and pushing the government to take measures to oust Russia from the region. 

"But when we talk to our Russian partners, we sometimes voice our opinion and assessment that, on the contrary, we see Russia itself leaving the region because of the steps it is taking or not taking. For what reasons, we do not know," Pashinyan said. 

He also stressed that the Russian peacekeeping forces are not fulfilling their mission under the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, and the Lachin corridor is not under the control of the peacekeepers.

Photo: АА