Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan, during a joint press conference with his visiting Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp on Wednesday, delicately answered the question about “pressure from Russia.”

The Armenian FM was asked what impact the Ukrainian conflict will have on Armenia and whether the latter was feeling pressure from Russia.

In response, Mirzoyan reminded that no country in Eurasia can say that the events taking place around Ukraine do not actually affect it, and efforts to end the war were among the first—if not the first.

According to the Armenian FM, the situation in the South Caucasus may also largely depend on the situation with Ukraine because everything in the world is connected, no one is in a vacuum, but there are additional opportunities that may arise in the South Caucasus even without a connection with Ukraine.

Mirzoyan recalled that Armenia has repeatedly stated its readiness to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan as soon as possible and close the chapter of hatred. But the Armenian FM added that not everything can be resolved with one document, and this can be the beginning of a process that can continue bilaterally, especially since this mechanism is included in the document.

Mirzoyan added that Armenia is ready to achieve a positive result in negotiations with Turkey, and establish diplomatic relations and open the border with that country.

Regarding Armenia's relations with Russia, the FM stated that Armenia conducts a balanced foreign policy.

Also, Mirzoyan recalled the civic initiative for Armenia’s EU membership, emphasized the deep relations with the EU, and pointed to the recently signed strategic partnership charter with the US.

“At the same time, we [i.e. Armenia] continue our partnership with the Russian Federation, and are interested in developing relations with our immediate neighbors—Georgia and Iran,” the Armenian said.

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia knows that someone may not like something, but is trying to explain that it is guided by Armenia's interests, and the steps being taken are not directed against anyone.