Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated on Wednesday that he sees no immediate “grounds” for a new war with Azerbaijan, despite Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s escalating threats of military action against Armenia.
Last week, Aliyev vowed to eradicate “fascism” in Armenia and forcibly secure a land corridor through the strategic Syunik region, connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave. These remarks have been interpreted by critics of the Armenian government as a prelude to a potential large-scale invasion.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has echoed concerns that Aliyev might be paving the way for “unhindered aggression” but has reaffirmed his commitment to a “peace agenda.”
“Rhetoric aside, any aggression needs grounds,” Papikyan said during a news conference. “As defense minister, I do not see that there are grounds for escalating tensions in the region because Armenia has proposals and solutions for every problem.”
Papikyan insisted that Armenia’s approach is rooted in a genuine effort to establish peace. “Armenia acts with a narrative of establishing peace in the region, and those narratives and proposals are quite substantiated,” he said.
However, Papikyan avoided addressing whether Azerbaijan had “grounds” for its attacks on Armenian border areas in 2021 and 2022, a question that underscores lingering doubts about Armenia’s preparedness and strategic posture in the face of repeated provocations.
Opposition leaders and analysts have long warned of the increasing likelihood of Azerbaijani aggression, with Aliyev’s latest rhetoric adding to their concerns. They cite recent reports of heightened military coordination between Azerbaijani and Turkish forces, noting increased contacts in the closing months of 2024.
Critics also argue that Yerevan’s pivot toward the West has exacerbated Armenia’s security vulnerabilities. The pro-Western foreign policy of Pashinyan’s administration, coupled with strained relations with Russia, has left the country in a precarious position. The United States and the European Union, they point out, offer no concrete security guarantees or substantial military aid to counter Azerbaijan’s military superiority.
Papikyan acknowledged that the newly signed U.S.-Armenia “strategic partnership” agreement does not include provisions for arms supplies. Instead, the agreement focuses on training Armenian military personnel, reforming Armenia’s armed forces, and conducting joint military exercises.
When asked about the impact of this partnership on Armenia’s security, Papikyan emphasized the importance of a balanced approach. “We must guarantee the security of Armenia’s borders with a balanced policy. Pinning hopes only on the armed forces or a single foreign partner is not a solution,” he said.
