Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia does not intend to respond to every international statement or involve itself in global disputes, following Russian criticism over remarks made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.

Zelenskyy, speaking at the summit on May 4, said that Russia “fears drones may buzz over Red Square” during the Victory Day parade, and that this is why Moscow is holding the event without military equipment. This statement was seen as a threat by Moscow, which in turn criticized Armenia for not reacting to the statements made in Yerevan.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the Prime Minister noted that the European Political Community summit is a multilateral platform, and that the status of the host country’s leader does not mean he is obliged to respond to all statements.

“I do not think that, in my capacity as the head of government of the host country, I should censor or necessarily respond to everything,” Pashinyan said.

According to him, various leaders express their positions in such forums.

“There have also been cases when, in my presence, the President of the Russian Federation made statements about different countries, but I do not remember Russia expecting me to respond to those statements,” the Prime Minister said.

Pashinyan stressed that Armenia is simultaneously a member of various international organizations, but this does not mean it should become involved in all global conflicts.

“The Republic of Armenia is a member of the European Political Community, a member of the EAEU, and a member of the CIS, but that does not mean we aim to interfere in all global affairs,” he said.

He stressed that Armenia is a small country focused on its own agenda.

“We are a small country with our own agenda, and we do not always consider it necessary to take the lead on global issues and make statements,” Pashinyan stated.

He added that Armenia seeks to play a modest role in ensuring global stability and peace.