Kremlin: We Cannot Be Blamed for the Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected Armenian criticisms of Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno-Karabakh on Monday, commenting on remarks made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who described his country's current alliances as "ineffective." Peskov stated, "We categorically reject all attempts to assign responsibility to the Russian side and the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, who are acting bravely," and dismissed any "criticism or accusations of negligence" against them. He added, "Russia considers Armenia its ally and will remain in contact with its leadership, but it rejects Yerevan's attempts to blame Moscow for the situation in Karabakh," noting that "Russia will work to ensure the rights of the Armenian ethnic group in Karabakh are respected."