ArmInfo. All the signs point to the fact that Russia's leadership plans to defeat Ukraine's armed forces by the end of this week, despite the fierce resistance by the Ukrainian army and population, Ambassador Arman Melikyan said in an interview with ArmInfo.
"The fate of the bilateral negotiations is greatly dependent on how successful the Russian offensive and Ukrainian resistance are - unless Kiev decides Moscow must withdraw its troops without any preconditions. In its turn, Moscow is facing a prospect of finding itself in an extremely grave politico- military situation, with all the political means exhausted and military means not effective, if it fails to force the Ukrainian leadership into capitulation within days," Mr Melikyan said.
The diplomat sees Kiev's serious miscalculations in terms of its politico-military potential and its prospective allies' readiness to provide substantial military support to Ukraine. In any case, Ukraine has been receiving considerable political, military, technical and financial support from the West, whereas Russia's actions have been internationally defined as a military aggression against Ukraine.
Mr Melikyan does not think the hostilities will develop into a full-scale war, with other nations involved. It is especially so against the looming preconditions, which, if met by Kiev, will enable Moscow to stop hostilities. Among them are recognition of the Luhansk and Donetsk people's republics and Ukraine's refusal to join NATO.
As regards a geopolitical effect the Ukraine crisis could have on Armenia and Artsakh, Mr Melikyan said it depends on numerous factors. According to him, it is advisable that Stepanakert apply to Yerevan and Moscow for recognition, after thoroughly considering all the consequences - prospects and threats. Mr Melikyan stressed that it is only in the case of a positive answer to the questions raised that such an initiative can be undertaken.