Ex-President Warns Armenia Against Emulating Ukraine’s Geopolitical Shift
In the forthcoming vote, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party is seeking renewed public backing for its push toward closer integration with the European Union. Critics argue that this approach may ultimately lead to a rupture in Armenia’s long-standing ties with Russia.
The political landscape is fragmented, with several opposition forces challenging the ruling party. These include Strong Armenia, a new political formation established by businessman Samvel Karapetyan; the Armenia Alliance led by Kocharyan himself; and Prosperous Armenia headed by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan. While these groups differ in their policy proposals, they share criticism of the current government’s performance.
Speaking at a campaign event, Kocharyan accused the government of deliberately shifting Armenia into a confrontational stance toward Moscow.
“We are being artificially turned into an enemy of Russia, led down Ukraine’s path that will only result in destruction,” he said.
He further urged a more balanced foreign policy approach, stating that Armenia “should stop playing on the differences of great powers and provoking them, putting its own people in harm’s way.”
Pashinyan, who came to power after mass protests in 2018, has faced multiple crises during his tenure, including border clashes with Azerbaijan, the displacement of residents following the dissolution of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, domestic unrest, and economic challenges. His government has also confronted accusations of political repression following tensions with opposition groups and segments of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The prime minister has in turn accused Russia of failing to provide sufficient support during Armenia’s conflicts with Azerbaijan. He has argued that deeper integration with the European Union, alongside expanded transit revenues, could strengthen the country’s economy and improve long-term stability.
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