Russia cannot approve of the current course of Armenia’s leadership: Vladimir Shapovalov

Vladimir Shapovalov, associate professor of the Department of Comparative Political Science at MGIMO, commented to Alpha News on the phone conversation between Nikol Pashinyan, prime minister of Armenia, and Vladimir Putin, president of Russia.

“At the initiative of the Armenian side, a phone conversation took place between Nikol Pashinyan, prime minister of Armenia, and Vladimir Putin, president of Russia. During the conversation, the Russian leader emphasized the unchanging nature of Russia’s position regarding the prospects of Armenia’s European integration and the need to hold a referendum in Armenia itself on the choice of the country’s further integration course. It should be noted that Russia’s position as a partner and ally of Armenia within military-political and economic associations remains unchanged. For many centuries, Russia has supported the Armenian people and has often saved them during the most difficult and hard periods of history. Russia remains a friend of the Armenian people today as well. However, the policy of Armenia’s current leadership, unfortunately, runs counter to the prospects of preserving friendly and allied relations between Russia and Armenia. This policy should receive an appropriate assessment from the Armenian people. Moreover, it certainly does not, and cannot, find approval from Russia and the Russian leadership,” the expert said.