The sole factor for the protection of the Armenian sides—i.e. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)—is their armed forces, said Armenia-based Regional Studies Center Director, political analyst Richard Giragosian.

He noted this speaking at Tuesday’s discussion on the internal and external factors of the rising of tension at the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

In his words, sadly, it is Russia that promotes the actions of Azerbaijan. Kirakosyan stated that we live in the real world where Azerbaijan sells oil, while Russia—weapons, and therefore the only factor for the protection of the Armenian sides is their armed forces.

The analyst added, however, that the question is not whether there will be a military escalation, but when will it occur.