Russia tries to destabilize situation in Armenia - military expert Kopchak

He said this on Espreso TV

"All three countries of the South Caucasus are in Russia's "ecosystem". In different proportions, but it is true. In particular, Russia circumvents sanctions through these countries. There is also support for the Russian economy. As for the regimes in the region, the situation is very diverse. For example, in Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev has now gained total legitimacy among the Azerbaijani population. The main reason for this was the restoration of territorial integrity," Kopchak explained.

The expert also emphasized that the Russian Federation does not give up trying to undermine the internal situation in Armenia

"The situation in Armenia is critically different. Russia keeps trying to undermine the regime of Nikol Pashinyan. However, Russia is becoming so toxic in Armenia that the Russians have to rely on frank freaks in Armenian politics who have no prospects in terms of electoral terms. That is, there is only an escalation scenario here, incitement and chaos. The Russians wanted to do this with the help of Azerbaijan. That is why Pashinyan is not so much turning away from Russia as trying to balance it with the search for possible airbags," he added.

• On February 12, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that his country has not been an ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
• Pashinyan also said earlier that his country could no longer rely on Russia as its main defense and military partner.