Putin demands a clear answer from Pashinyan on Armenia’s course: Bogdan Bezpalko

Bogdan Bezpalko, political analyst, commented to Alpha News on Armenian-Russian relations and where they are headed, as Moscow awaits clarity from Yerevan on the EAEU and the CSTO.

“It is obvious that the Armenian leadership is avoiding giving a clear answer to the questions posed by Russia and the Russian president. That is, if you intend to move westward, toward the European Union, please do so, but state your position clearly. Ideally, hold a referendum, and then formally withdraw from the EAEU and the CSTO. On one hand, the entire position of the Armenian leadership amounts to ignoring all the required procedures, payments, and meetings within the framework of these two integration unions. On the other hand, there is constant democratic-style rhetoric to the effect that we will leave whenever we want, whenever we see fit. But these are collective organizations with collective governing bodies, so sooner or later a position will have to be defined. It is obvious that even Nikol Pashinyan understands that defining such a position will entail consequences,” Bezpalko said.

According to the analyst, leaving the EAEU could cost Armenia nearly 16% of its GDP, lead to the loss of export markets, and create tensions in the Caucasus.

“This could mean a blow to the economy, the loss of export markets, and the severing of economic and other ties. In that sense, it could also mean certain military threats to Armenia. But for us here in Moscow, the main concern is that this creates tensions in the Caucasus and poses threats to Russia, to our country. That is why Vladimir Putin is demanding clear answers from Pashinyan, and so far he is not getting them. It is obvious that after some point, the absence of answers will itself constitute a certain kind of answer,” Bezpalko concluded.