The former authorities of Armenia were not recognizing Karabakh [(Artsakh)] just so that they would not withdraw from the negotiation process and resolve the issue peacefully. Artur Vanetsyan, the former director of the National Security Service, the leader of the "I have the honor" bloc, and the latter’s candidate for Prime Minister of Armenia, said this in an interview with renowned Russian journalist Vladimir Solovyov.

"There was a plan that if Azerbaijan launches hostilities and they continue for several days, Karabakh should be recognized immediately. [Armenia’s acting PM] Nikol Pashinyan—I will not call him by his name anymore, better known as a capitulator—did not find strength or literacy in him, or did not do anything special, and did not recognize Karabakh. Russia should not be blamed. Russia really helped," Vanetsyan said.

According to him, the incumbent authorities of Armenia have been ruining relations with Russia for the past three years since they have come to power. "Remember the populist statements and orders of the capitulator. Russia helped and continues to help. People in Karabakh today live under the protection of Russian peacekeepers; we should not forget that," Vanetsyan added.

He reminded of the terrible losses of the Armenian side in the Artsakh war last fall: the loss of 75 percent of the territory of Artsakh, almost 5,000 casualties, and numerous refugees. "These authorities want to close the Karabakh tropic. In their opinion, the issue is settled, there will be no war, there will be no army, we will live and prosper. But how?” Vanetsyan said.

"Surrender to Turkey," Solovyov replied.

“Let's remember the Turkish yatagan in 1915; in 2020 it was replaced by the [Turkish-made] Bayraktar [military drones]. Turkey has always aimed to destroy the Armenian people," Artur Vanetsyan responded.