"Armenians should be treated as kindly as possible and provided with any necessary assistance to encourage them to come more often."
This quote is from a decree signed 300 years ago by Russian Tsar Peter the Great. The current Russian leadership often recalls this decree.
Russia uses the image of the "great protector" of Armenians as a political tool. It is activated whenever Moscow faces difficulties. First, high-ranking officials threaten Armenians, then subordinates pile on pressure.
Now a new "fight against forgetfulness" has begun. Armenia will hold parliamentary elections in June. Ahead of this, rhetoric has intensified against Yerevan's actions that displease Moscow.
Threats from the north focus on freezing and starving the Armenian people: "We sell gas four times cheaper; our agromarket is your only option. Cut it off, and you're doomed."
The Tsargrad TV channel is particularly active in stirring up tensions in Armenia. It tries to overshadow the results of the 44-day war, glorifying Armenian "heroism" and spreading absurd claims that Russia "gifted" Karabakh to Azerbaijan.
Russian media accuse Armenians of "forgetfulness" but suffer from memory lapses themselves. For instance, Putin once said, "You recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan." Now they ignore that.
Russia has treaties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Presenting Karabakh as a geopolitical game element is a strategic mistake. This approach harms Russia's relations with both countries.
Supporting revanchists in Armenia with the "lost Karabakh" card increases radicalization. Baku sees this populism as Moscow's attempt to maintain pressure and controlled tension.
After over 30 years of conflict, both South Caucasus countries are focused on peacebuilding. Russia, however, tries to revive old tensions to preserve its influence. The world is changing, but Russia clings to imperial illusions.
As they say, those going to hell seek company. Growing isolation makes Moscow forget both partnerships and treaties.
