“My Relations With Putin Are Very Warm,” Says Nikol Pashinyan

YEREVAN — Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia will not take any abrupt steps in its relations with Russia, stressing during a campaign event that he has very warm and friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I doubt that since 2018 the Russian president has had more contact with any other leader. During this period, we have had about 200 phone conversations,” Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that Armenia’s relations with Russia remain warm, but said the issue lies elsewhere.

“The opposition says we should have relations with Russia as equals. Jokes aside, Russia is a superpower, and Russia must be treated with respect and reverence. That is exactly how I treat it,” Pashinyan said.

He added that Armenia has never done, and will never do, anything to harm Russia’s interests.

“But, excuse me, we cannot treat Russia’s interests as more important than Armenia’s interests,” Pashinyan said, adding that high-level dialogue with Russia will continue.