Moscow expects clear position from Yerevan on key issues: Pyotr Kolchin

Pyotr Kolchin, political scientist, commented to Alpha News on the prospects for dialogue between Moscow and Yerevan ahead of the upcoming meeting between Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan.

According to the expert, the rapid deterioration of relations between Moscow and Yerevan is linked to Nikol Pashinyan’s position, his idea of European integration, and his dual approach to security issues.

“Of course, the rapid deterioration of relations between Moscow and Yerevan is linked to Pashinyan’s position, his idea of European integration, and his ambivalent stance on security issues. All of this works to weaken political ties. Putin has set fairly specific conditions for Yerevan, which are tied, first and foremost, to the referendum. Whereas Pashinyan initially supported this idea, he is now saying there’s no need for such a referendum, realizing that a nationwide vote could seriously undermine his political standing,” Kolchin said.

According to the expert, a possible dialogue between Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan faces numerous obstacles due to the inconsistency of official Yerevan’s position.

“Moscow is trying to get specifics. Pashinyan is afraid to provide those specifics, because a change in the status quo, which is inevitable, could seriously hurt Armenia’s position, and that would be Pashinyan’s direct responsibility. But as we know, Pashinyan doesn’t like to bear political risk, he likes to shift it onto others and distract public attention with other issues,” Kolchin concluded.