Kremlin rejects Armenian premier's criticism of Russia's position on Karabakh

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia cannot agree with criticism voiced by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding Moscow's position on Karabakh.

At a news conference in Moscow, Peskov rejected Pashinyan's remarks, claiming that Russia is moving away from the South Caucasus.

"With these remarks of Mr. Prime Minister, we cannot agree. Russia is an absolutely integral part of (South Caucasus) region, so it cannot go anywhere. Russia cannot abandon Armenia," he said.

Peskov reminded Yerevan that "there are more Armenians living in Russia than in Armenia itself," most of whom are "patriotic citizens who make a worthy contribution to the development of the country."

"Russia continues to play a consistent and critical role in stabilizing and deconflicting the situation in this region. And we will continue to play this role," he pledged.

Regarding the situation in Karabakh, Peskov said “new events that slightly changed the situation" there, but this does not imply that Russia is going to somehow curtail its activities.

“It is very important that all the relevant states in this region adhere to the trilateral agreements reached two years ago. Following these agreements is the key to success," he asserted.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

In the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan liberated several cities, villages, and settlements from Armenian occupation during 44 days of clashes. The war ended with a Russia-brokered peace agreement.

Despite ongoing talks over a long-term peace agreement, tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia rose in recent months over the Lachin road, the only land route giving Armenia access to the Karabakh region, where Azerbaijan established a border checkpoint in April on the grounds of preventing the illegal transport of military arms and equipment to the region.

Since then, Yerevan has accused Azerbaijan of causing a “humanitarian crisis” in the region. Baku has vehemently denied Armenia’s claims and has proposed the use of the Aghdam-Khankendi road for shipments to the region.

- Grain deal

In response to a journalist's question about the prospects of resuming the grain deal following the Russian-Turkish presidential talks in Sochi on Monday, Peskov said it is a multilateral process, and there has been little opportunity to agree on anything concrete, especially during bilateral negotiations.

The time frame in which Moscow, together with Ankara and Doha, can deliver 1 million tons of grain to the poorest countries has yet to be determined, he added.

The initiative was voiced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, he said that Moscow will organize the supply of 1 million tons of grain at a preferential price for processing in Türkiye, as well as free of charge to the poorest countries.

According to him, Russia is counting on Qatar's assistance in this matter.

Peskov also explained Putin's words about Ukraine's attacks on the TurkStream gas pipeline, used for deliveries of Russian gas to Türkiye.

"Attempts are being made to attack the TurkStream and Blue Stream, through which gas is supplied to the Republic of Türkiye from Russia. Our ships are guarding these streams, these pipeline systems, and they are constantly being attacked, including with the help of drones that are sent to these attacks from the Ukrainian Black Sea ports," he said.

Commenting on Rustem Umerov’s appointment as Ukraine's defense minister, Peskov said it will not change "the core" of the country's government.

Regarding media reports claiming Putin will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the near future, Peskov said he has nothing to say on the subject.