Russia Blames Armenians for Escalating Conflict in Azerbaijan

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Armenian leaders of exacerbating tensions in the conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, while expressing hope that Armenia would remain within Moscow's sphere of influence. Lavrov also criticized Western powers for undermining Russian influence and denied accusations that Russia had handed over Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan. Protests have erupted in Armenia, with some accusing Russia of being distracted by the war in Ukraine. Lavrov emphasized the inviolability of existing borders and expressed confidence that Armenians would maintain ties with Russia and other friendly states in the region.