“If Russia concentrates all its security resources towards Ukraine, then, of course, its presence here may weaken, which will have a negative impact on the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia,” said Boris Navasardyan, the President of the Yerevan Press Club, referring to the possible consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict on the region and in particular, on Armenia.
“Given that the West-Russia relations are strained, and given that the joint involvement of the West and Russia in the further settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is unlikely to continue in an agreement and atmosphere, it will have a negative impact on that process. Even if France or the United States try to bring forth some initiatives, also taking into account Russia’s role here, it is one thing, and a completely different environment will be formed if France and the United States get into serious conflicts with Russia… I will add another important circumstance that is likely not mentioned often: in any case, Russia remains Armenia’s strategic ally. It means that Russia is waiting for Armenia’s support in all its geopolitical initiatives,” Boris Navasardyan added.
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According to him, “Taking into account that such support over the Donbas crisis, be it in moral, political, international, or especially military arenas, if it will pose serious challenges to Armenia in our relations with the West, Ukraine, and Georgia, we will have a greater chasm in our relations with these important countries. Besides, Armenia can not offer anything to its ally. So, there may be negative consequences for Armenia whether we support Russia or not, and if we do not support Russia, we will be treated in a way that is not in our favor… Different mechanisms of pressure that Russia will apply to Armenia may deepen… Compare our capabilities with the capabilities of Azerbaijan, it seems that Azerbaijan has greater opportunities. Azerbaijan’s signing of the declaration of allied cooperation with Russia, which took place in the same days as the situation in Donbas escalated, shows that without great losses, Azerbaijan can offer something to Russia.”
Gohar HAKOBYAN
