Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Armenia will not participate in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow [1].
The decision marks a notable absence from a high-profile Russian state event, signaling potential shifts in the diplomatic priorities of the Armenian leader during a critical internal political period.
Pashinyan informed the Russian president of the decision during a visit to Russia in April 2024 [2]. The military parade is scheduled for May 9, 2024 [1].
According to Pashinyan, the decision was based on the timing of domestic political events. He said that because of the pre-election campaign in Armenia, he would be unable to take part in the events on May 9 [1].
In a statement regarding the absence, Pashinyan said, "Because of the pre-election campaign, I will not be able to take part in the parade on May 9" [3]. The prime minister's visit to Moscow in April 2024 [2] served as the occasion to deliver this notification directly to President Putin.
The Victory Day parade is an annual event in Moscow used to commemorate the end of World War II. While Armenia and Russia maintain a complex security and political relationship, the prime minister's focus on the upcoming electoral cycle takes precedence over this specific diplomatic appearance [1].
“Armenia will not take part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow”
The absence of the Armenian Prime Minister from the Victory Day parade suggests a prioritization of domestic political stability over symbolic diplomatic gestures toward the Kremlin. By citing a pre-election campaign, Pashinyan provides a neutral administrative reason for his absence, potentially avoiding a direct diplomatic confrontation while still distancing himself from the Moscow event.
