YEREVAN. – Head of the 102nd Russian military unit—which is stationed in Armenia—Colonel Andrey Ruzinski had announced that if Azerbaijan decides to restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh by the use of force, the Russian military mission in Armenia can be involved in the hostilities, Aravot daily recalls.

“Reflecting on this statement by the Russian colonel, political scientist Armen Grigoryan noted that what Ruzinski said is similar to ‘a way to sweeten the bitter pill’ whereby the famous ‘security’ argument is complemented.   

‘“Those supporting the maintenance and deepening of vassal relations with Russia, claim that Russia has guaranteed that it will intervene in case of a large-scale conflict with Azerbaijan.

‘“I believe what Ruzinski said is also another ‘message’ addressed to Azerbaijan, whereby they are insinuating that Azerbaijan should seriously think about joining the Customs Union. [But] in case of disagreement by Azerbaijan, another development option should not be completely ruled out.

‘“Russia may resort to provocation at the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, to make use of that pretext to deploy ‘peacekeepers,’ the political scientist said,” Aravot writes.