Expert: Armenia being dragged into new war unprepared

Despite Azerbaijan's claims that a draft peace agreement with Armenia’s has been finalized and Armenia’s stated willingness to sign it, Baku continues to accuse Yerevan of ceasefire violations almost daily. Armenia’s Defense Ministry denies these accusations just as regularly.

Information security expert Karen Vrtanesyan says these mutual claims are part of a broader strategy of deception.

"Both sides lie – Azerbaijan and Armenia’s current leadership. It’s hard to make any comments in such a climate of double deception," Vrtanesyan told Panorama.am on Saturday.

According to him, the so-called peace process is not leading to peace, but rather to the weakening of Armenia’s defenses ahead of possible large-scale military operations.

"There is no peace deal. Everything is being done to escalate the situation into war and all efforts are aimed at ensuring that Armenia is as unprepared for that war as possible," Vrtanesyan warned.

He added that even if a document is signed, it would offer no peace guarantees, as Azerbaijan has a record of breaking agreements and continually increasing its demands, now up to 17, compared to five just two years ago.

"As long as Nikol Pashinyan remains in power, there will be no resistance to Azeri demands," Vrtanesyan said.