Analysts find it unacceptable for Armenia to recognize DPR and LPR

The issue of recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) is not on Armenia's agenda, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has stated. It is unacceptable for Armenia to follow Russia and recognize the self-proclaimed republics given the current status of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian political analysts have pointed out.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 21, Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of LPR and DPR; and on February 22, the Federation Council gave consent to the Russian President to use the country's armed forces outside its borders.

Denis Avtonomov, the Charge d'Affaires of Ukraine in Armenia, has stated that "Russia has breached the foundations of the international law, the UN Charter and violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."

Artsvik Minasyan, an MP from the "Aiastan" oppositional parliamentary faction, has stated that "Armenia should not speak out against the recognition of the independence of the DPR and LPR, because this follows from the Artsakh (Artsakh is the self-name of Nagorno-Karabakh) issue."

On the issue of the DPR and LPR, Armenia should position itself in the same way as on the issue of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Armen Rustamyan, a member of the parliamentary faction of the "Aiastan" bloc, believes.

Armenia should position itself "absolutely neutral and not get involved in anything that does not come from Armenia's interests," Armen Vardanyan, a political analyst, has stated.

According to his story, although Armenia's dependence on Russia has grown, this is the red line that can't be crossed; it's necessary to resist Russia's demand.