Discussions continue around the Putin-Pashinyan meeting held in Moscow.
According to Modern.az, analysts speaking in the Armenian press describe the meeting, which was accompanied by the abandonment of diplomatic formulas and a clear shift to mutual accusations and blackmail, as unprecedented, even sensational.
It is reported that Putin, who had hoped Pashinyan would be a reliable partner in the South Caucasus before the 2021 elections, has now confirmed he made a big mistake and openly demonstrated his distrust of him in Moscow.
Armenian experts state that in an open dialogue, Putin offered Pashinyan a choice between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU): Putin directly warned Pashinyan that he must choose one of the two, otherwise the situation would be different.
"We see Armenia discussing the development of relations with the European Union. We are very calm about this issue. We understand that any country tries to cooperate as much as possible with third countries. But this must be open and honest from the very beginning. It is not possible to be with both the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union," Putin stated, and then hinted that they could raise gas prices for Armenia, just as they did for Europe.
"As for the price of energy carriers, gas in Europe has sharply increased to $600 per thousand cubic meters, while Russia sells it to Armenia for $177.5. The difference is very large, significant. We often argue with you here, I know you insist on determining energy carrier prices a little differently, but look: $600 and $177.5," the Russian leader emphasized.
Pashinyan responded by stating that he knows it is not possible to join both alliances simultaneously.
"When this is not possible and a decision must be made, I am confident that the citizens of Armenia will make the decision."
Regarding the construction of a new nuclear power plant, Pashinyan stated that this is being discussed with other countries, as well as with Russian partners, and "we are looking for the most advantageous offer for the Republic of Armenia."
The next issue causing tension in Armenia-Russia relations since 2022 concerns the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Putin stated that he is aware of the Armenian side's complaints regarding the CSTO.
"But I believe that when you recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague in 2022, it would not have been correct for the CSTO to intervene in this issue, which had already become an internal matter of Azerbaijan."
Pashinyan, in turn, responded to Putin's blackmail by stating, “I have already openly declared in Armenia that we should not continue the Karabakh movement, because Armenia and Azerbaijan have recognized each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity based on the Alma-Ata Declaration.”
Putin criticized Pashinyan for imprisoning a person with a Russian passport (businessman Samvel Karapetyan) in Armenia for attempting to engage in politics.
“This is your decision, we do not interfere. But we would like them to be able to participate in these internal political affairs,” he stated, adding that Moscow always prioritizes the interests of the Armenian people.
“A large number of Armenians live in Russia. More than 2 million. There are many pro-Russian political forces in Armenia. We would very much like all these political forces and political figures to be able to participate in internal political affairs during elections.”
Pashinyan, in turn, stated that Armenia is a democratic country. He also reminded that, according to legislation, only individuals holding an Armenian passport can participate in the elections of the Republic of Armenia. Those holding a Russian passport cannot be candidates for either deputy or prime minister.
Political scientists say that Putin blackmailed Pashinyan with three main messages during the meeting in Moscow:
Firstly, Pashinyan is presented with a choice: either the EAEU or the EU, and this choice will have an energy cost;
Secondly, there are people imprisoned in Armenia today for their political views, as well as citizens holding Russian passports, and pressure on them must cease;
Thirdly, the Karabakh issue remains a sensitive matter for Russia even today, meaning the Karabakh issue has not been closed...
