Pashinyan between the EU and Moscow, the Artsakh elite in a Baku prison: how we reached this disgrace

During this podcast, issues related to the military-political leadership of Artsakh illegally held in Baku prisons were discussed. It was mentioned that while the Artsakh elite is in Azerbaijani prisons, the fourth president of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan, former Commander of the Defense Army Levon Mnatsakanyan, former Deputy Commander of the Defense Army Davit Manukyan, the last Speaker of the Artsakh National Assembly Davit Ishkhanyan, and former presidential advisor and former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan were sentenced to life imprisonment by fabricated verdicts issued in Baku on February 5.

The 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, presented to the Prime Minister of Armenia and Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi, was discussed. A "fraternity" award in a situation where Armenian officials are hostages held by the enemy.

They also talked about the shortcomings permitted by the authorities. It would have been possible to ensure that Artsakh officials did not end up in Baku courts and that people could reach Armenia safely if there had been a clear state strategy and work with allies.

Reference was also made to Armenia's application for membership in the European Union and Nikol Pashinyan's recent visits. Following that, Alen Simonyan's visit to Russia and especially his meeting with Lavrov were discussed. This is a chain of foreign policy "intrigues" where, on one hand, there is talk about the West, and on the other hand, an attempt is made to smooth over relations with Moscow.

There was discussion about the specific and difficult conditions placed before Armenia in the new geopolitical situation against the background of the construction of TRACECA. In particular, the targeting of the Yeraskh metallurgical plant was discussed, which was an overt blow to Armenia's sovereign territory and economic development.

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Within the framework of the Platform podcast, Edmon Marukyan and Karpis Pashoyan discuss the truths that they believe are as necessary as air and water for Armenia and the Armenian people, as well as the challenges facing Armenia.