On March 20, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova addressed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent visit to Transcaucasia, stating that it represents another effort by NATO to draw the South Caucasus republics into the sphere of Euro-Atlantic influence.

Zakharova highlighted that NATO's activities in this direction have intensified significantly, indicating a systematic and long-standing endeavor by the alliance and its member states. She suggested that NATO's increased engagement in the South Caucasus reflects dissatisfaction in the West with the region's progress towards cooperation and peace agreements.

Furthermore, Zakharova pointed out that Western actors are unhappy with the improving relations between the South Caucasus states and Russia, characterized by equality, mutual respect, and a shared aim for regional peace. She implied that these developments have prompted continuous attempts to disrupt relations between the countries of the region and Russia.

Zakharova emphasized that the primary objective appears to be the creation of a second front against Russia in Transcaucasia. She noted that the peace agreements brokered by Russia between Armenia and Azerbaijan have particularly irked Western powers, as they represent a genuine path to peace based on mutual respect and the consideration of each other's interests.

Moreover, Zakharova highlighted the positive dynamics in the negotiation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly during the active implementation of trilateral agreements at the highest level and the regular contacts in the Russia-Azerbaijan-Armenia format. She noted that during this period, progress was made toward peaceful resolutions without aggression or bitterness despite the region's difficult history.

She suggested that Western interference disrupted this positive momentum as Western actors sought to impose their agenda on the region. She criticized Western efforts to mold Armenia's stance on Karabakh without adequate consideration for the rights and security of the local Armenian population, resulting in additional problems in the region.

Furthermore, Zakharova accused Western regimes of pressuring Yerevan to make unilateral decisions on disputed territorial issues and of fostering discord between Armenia and its neighbors, including Azerbaijan and Russia. She emphasized Russia's commitment to maintaining and further developing its alliance with Yerevan.

Russian MP Criticizes Armenian PM's Concessions to Azerbaijan

On March 19, Konstantin Zatulin, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, expressed his opinion on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's approach towards satisfying the interests of Baku.

Zatulin suggested that Pashinyan continues to pursue a line of action to appease Azerbaijan's interests. He portrayed Pashinyan as someone who appears compelled to adopt this stance while concurrently blaming the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and Russia for not adequately defending Armenia. Zatulin characterized Pashinyan's actions as betraying his compatriots and being forced down a path of abandonment.

Addressing Azerbaijan's demand for the immediate return of four villages in Armenia's Tavush region, Zatulin highlighted their strategic importance in providing transit to Georgia. He suggested that losing these villages due to Armenia's current government position would interrupt communication routes and pave the way for further concessions, particularly in response to Azerbaijan and Turkey's push to establish a "Zangezur corridor" facilitating direct transit from Turkey to Azerbaijan through Armenian territory.

Zatulin also commented on NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's recent visit to the South Caucasus, implying that his visit to Armenia was part of a larger strategy to encourage Armenia's departure from Russia and its alignment with Western interests. Zatulin suggested that, rather than being an ally in this regard, Azerbaijan is more aligned with Turkey's interests. He emphasized Turkey's efforts to portray its actions in the Caucasus as part of NATO's expansion eastward.