Russia’s attitude to Armenia is just unacceptable as it continues supplying weapons to Azerbaijan in what is seen to further damage the bilateral relations. Kremlin should acknowledge the criticism over its policy will grow in Armenia over the time, Styopa Safaryan, founder of the Armenian Institute of International and Security Affairs (AIISA) told Panorama.am in an interview, commenting on a new batch of Russian military equipment delivered to Azerbaijan.
“It was especially right after the April war, when not only relations between Russia and Armenia were strained but the Russian military-technical cooperation with Azerbaijan was put on hold. It was no coincidence, Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozin visited Baku weeks ago. The resumption of the military supplies was undoubtedly in the agenda of bilateral talks. I consider this extremely dangerous,” Safaryan said.
“Russia seems seeking a goal to lose all possible friends, at least it has chosen the route to that end. Armenia is one of the few countries that has always maintained solidarity with Russia in the foreign affairs – often to the detriment of own interest,” Safaryan added.
The political analyst recalled Armenia’s acknowledgment of Crimea as part of Russia, that endangered relations with Ukraine, saying: “We made that decision considering Russia’s role in our foreign policy and allied relations. In contrast, Russia’s actions appear unthankful.”