State Duma Deputy Vitaly Milonov's statement contradicts the spirit of Russian-Azerbaijani relations, but cannot damage these ties, Russian political scientist Yevgeny Mikhailov told Report.
"Among the Russian MPs, there are those who are always distinguished by their extraordinary statements. Milonov has always taken such an openly pro-Armenian position. But few people listen to him, he is known mainly for his hysterical attacks on Azerbaijan," said the political scientist.
Mikhailov noted that the speaker of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin was going to visit Baku with a delegation, and before that Milonov decided to make such a harsh statement.
"Milonov's statement contradicts the spirit of Russian-Azerbaijani relations. Naturally, certain conclusions will be drawn, but Milonov will not be able to damage the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. Russia and Azerbaijan are partners, allies," the expert said.
In his opinion, the pro-Armenian lobby in Russia does not like the current relations between the Russian Federation and Armenia, and the current Armenian leadership "leads to the betrayal of Russia." Noting the pro-American surroundings of Pashinyan, the expert stressed that it is very interesting to see Russian flags were removed in Armenia and American flags hung up for the visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress Nancy Pelosi.
According to the observations of the political scientist, now the major Russian media outlets are asking the question: "Is Armenia really turning away from Russia?"
"In connection with Pelosi's visit, Russia will draw certain conclusions, and Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkiye will become even closer," the expert added.