This marks their first formal bilateral meeting since agreeing on a draft deal.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are meeting in Abu Dhabi to finalize a peace agreement after nearly four decades of conflict.
This marks their first formal bilateral meeting since agreeing on a draft deal.
Richard Giragosian, Director of the Regional Studies Centre, told Euronews, “With Russia overwhelmed by its failed invasion of Ukraine, this is very much at the exclusion of Russia.”
Moscow’s former allies
Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus has declined, especially after Azerbaijan reclaimed Karabakh in 2023. “Armenia and Azerbaijan ironically share a policy to defy Moscow,” said Giragosian.
Destabilising Armenia
Moscow has responded with disinformation campaigns and visits, including one by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Yerevan denied Russia’s claim of military buildup.
‘Storm on the horizon’
Fifteen people, including two archbishops, were arrested in June for plotting a coup. “This was the fifth coup attempt,” Giragosian noted, blaming Russian-linked efforts.
Ukraine factor
Giragosian said Armenia sees its future with the West: “Russia is largely to blame for its arrogance.”
Vacuum of power
As Russia’s grip weakens, Armenia and Azerbaijan are rejecting its mediation. “We have to prepare for the day after Putin,” Giragosian warned.