In a recent statement on March 10, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized France's attempts to portray itself as a peacekeeper in Nagorno-Karabakh “despite Russia's prominent role in peacekeeping efforts” there. Zakharova suggested that France's increased activity in the Caucasus may be seen as compensation for “its failed policies in Africa.”

Zakharova characterized France's actions in the Caucasus as "experiments," including purported peacekeeping efforts. She emphasized that Russia has been the primary mediator and peacekeeper in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, even during the most challenging phases. As a NATO member, she expressed hope that France would not reignite tensions in the region.

As previously reported by Caucasus Watch, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with French Minister for the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, discussing defense cooperation and highlighting Armenia-France collaboration in military education, combat training, and modernizing the Armenian Armed Forces. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan emphasized France's advisory support in defense reforms and the importance of diversifying military-political relations. Papikyan affirmed Armenia's right to form defensive alliances while ensuring transparency and reciprocity in international agreements. Minister Lecornu committed to supplying air defense systems and armored vehicles to Armenia, stressing France's self-sufficiency in arms production.