Karabakh Conflict: Ex-Minister Predicts New War, Reveals Russia's Role

The Karabakh Conflict: A Former Armenian Defense Minister's Controversial Interview The recent interview of Arshak Karapetyan, Armenia's former defense minister, with Izvestia has sparked controversy. Karapetyan's comments on Russia's role in the Karabakh conflict and his warnings of a potential new war have drawn significant attention. In the interview, Karapetyan claimed that Russia implicitly recognizes Karabakh as part of Armenia. He stated, "Karapetyan essentially admits that Russia has acknowledged the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as part of Armenia." This statement is a significant revelation, shedding light on the complex diplomatic situation. He also revealed details about Russian military involvement during the 1990s. "He also mentioned that Russian troops fought alongside Armenians in the 1990s, aiding in the occupation of Azerbaijani territories." This claim, if verified, could reshape the understanding of the conflict's history. The interview also touched upon the current political climate in Armenia. Karapetyan's pro-Russian stance and his prediction of a new war unless Armenia's interests are met in a peace treaty raise concerns about regional stability. The interview concludes with a stark warning: "If Armenia doesn't engage in another provocation against Azerbaijan, Russia won't offer assistance." This highlights the precarious balance of power in the region. The interview's significance lies in its potential to escalate tensions and offers a glimpse into the strategic calculations of the involved parties. Further investigations are needed to verify the claims made by Karapetyan.