Kremlin Regards Armenias Reported Coup Attempt as Domestic Issue Amid Strained Relations

The Kremlin stated on Wednesday that it views the reported coup attempt in Armenia as an “internal issue,” while expressing hope that the South Caucasian nation will continue to have amicable ties with Moscow.

Earlier in the day, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that security forces had prevented a coup conspiracy involving what he described as a “criminal-oligarchic clergy,” amid his increasing tension with the powerful Apostolic Church.

“This is an internal affair for Armenia,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when questioned about the alleged conspiracy.

“Our interest lies in ensuring that the rule of law and peace are upheld in Armenia, and in seeing that Armenia remains a prosperous and stable nation that is friendly towards Russia,” he stated.

The relationship between Russia and Armenia has progressively worsened since Azerbaijan regained control over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region during a swift offensive in 2023. Although Moscow attempted to serve as a mediator in the conflict, its focus on the war in Ukraine hindered its ability to prevent Azerbaijan from seizing Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to the withdrawal of thousands of Russian peacekeepers from the area.

Prominent leaders of the Apostolic Church, which wields significant influence in Armenian society, have called for Pashinyan’s resignation since the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020.

Last week, Armenian authorities detained Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, accusing him of trying to incite a government overthrow.

In a video statement prior to his arrest, the 59-year-old entrepreneur pledged to “intervene” in Pashinyan’s dispute with the church. Earlier this month, Pashinyan had urged the resignation of Catholicos Garegin II, the leader of the church.

Peskov confirmed that Moscow is in touch with Yerevan regarding Karapetyan, referring to his Russian citizenship.

“Certainly, since Karapetyan is also a Russian citizen, appropriate communications are being conducted,” Peskov remarked, without further details.

“However, we continue to maintain contact with our partners in Armenia. It is an important ally for us, and we have a well-developed and multifaceted relationship,” he added.