I realize that many readers will disagree with me, but as a person I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who for more than four years have been resisting Russian aggression. My position remains unchanged—even though during both the first and the second Artsakh wars, Ukraine acted—if not as an ally of Azerbaijan—then at least as a country supportive of it on many issues.
However, as a proponent of political realism, I would very much prefer that the consequences of Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to Yerevan and the speeches he delivered there had been calculated in advance. Armenia is not in a position to allow itself, amid these tectonic shifts taking place in the world, to end up sitting on one of the fault lines. I believe it would have been possible, through diplomatic means, to reach an understanding that Zelensky should not threaten an attack on Moscow from Yerevan—especially on May 9, a date of sacred significance for Russians. If no attempt was made to reach such an understanding, that is bad. If an attempt was made but failed, that is also bad. If Pashinyan is pleased that such threats were voiced (which, given his, to put it mildly, immature mindset, is possible), that is even worse.
The fact that the European Political Community summit was held in Yerevan is, of course, positive. It would simply have been highly desirable for the host side to be better prepared—particularly in terms of clarifying the agenda. For example, it could have been agreed that within the framework of the summit Macron and Starmer would not convene a meeting on Ukraine. If you are unable to influence the agenda of an event taking place in your own country, then your claims about sovereignty become questionable.
Of course, it is reasonable to assume that none of this particularly concerns Pashinyan; what matters to him is pre-election PR—“look, look how much European leaders love me, they are crazy about me.” Petty, provincial thrills, in short.
And since sweet words cost nothing, European leaders lose nothing by contributing to that PR with their compliments. French President Macron stood out in this regard, asserting that eight years ago no one would have come to Yerevan. In other words, it is thanks to Pashinyan’s 2018 “Velvet Revolution” that European leaders now engage with Armenia’s leadership.
…In general, before visiting any country, a country’s leader is presented with a brief history of relations with that country. Macron’s aides have probably neglected that duty.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
