Strong Armenia bloc leader and business tycoon Samvel Karapetyan cast his ballot in the parliamentary elections on Sunday, as penitentiary officers escorted him from his home to the polling station, since he is under house arrest on charges of calling for a coup, which he denies, describing them as politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters after voting, he said he does not have the Kremlin’s backing and that Moscow pursues its own interests in Armenia regardless of any individual politicians.

“I think the Russians have their own interests in Armenia and are consistently carrying out their policy. This has nothing to do with either Pashinyan, me, or any other political force,” he said.

He said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks at a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, expressing hope that “pro-Russian” politicians would be able to participate in elections, do not amount to support for him.

“Have you seen Russia support me? Putin simply said that people ought to have the chance to participate in the elections. Of course, I don’t consider that to be support,” Karapetyan said when asked whether he has Kremlin backing.

Asked if the Strong Armenia bloc has a plan B in case of losing the elections, he said:

“Any alternative scenario of a change of government depends on the Armenian people. How can I have another plan? Whatever the Armenian people decide will be what is decided. If Nikol Pashinyan is elected—although the probability of that is equal to zero—the Armenian people will accept it. I would like to see Armenia tomorrow with a legitimate government. This is very important for our country, because without a legitimate government we will not be able to ensure Armenia’s development.”