PM Pashinyan Justifies Loss of Artsakh to Students as Step Toward Armenian Sovereignty

During his visit to Yerevan State University (YSU) on June 3, 2025, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke to students and faculty about the country’s future after the 2020 war. He claimed that although Armenia lost part of its historic homeland, the nation has become more sovereign and independent. But many Armenians see these words as a harsh reminder of the heavy losses the country has suffered under his leadership.

Armenia faces a difficult reality after the devastating 44-day war in 2020. Under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s leadership, the country lost a large part of its historic homeland, the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Pashinyan has characterized the territorial losses as progress toward greater sovereignty and independence for the nation. However, this framing has met with skepticism among many Armenians, who question what tangible benefits have emerged from the concessions and remain focused on the scale of what has been surrendered.

During his talk at YSU, Pashinyan spoke openly with students and faculty. When asked if he would start the 2018 revolution again, knowing what has happened since, Pashinyan did not hesitate to defend his choices. He said that if he still held the same views as a young student, it would mean he never grew intellectually. He insists he has matured and that the country has matured as well.

Many Armenians have questioned whether territorial concessions can legitimately be framed as progress, or whether accepting military defeat constitutes genuine independence. Pashinyan has argued that despite the territorial losses from the conflict, Armenia has achieved greater control over its borders and national destiny. He has cited the planned deployment of Armenian border guards to all frontier posts beginning March 1, 2025, as evidence of this enhanced sovereignty.

However, critics question whether this development warrants recognition as a significant achievement. They argue that securing control over one's own borders represents a basic function of statehood rather than a notable accomplishment, particularly given the decades-long struggle to achieve this status. For many Armenians, the loss of Artsakh represents too high a price for what they view as fundamental sovereignty rights. These critics contend that the current leadership has left Armenia in a more vulnerable and isolated position internationally, rather than strengthening the nation's standing.

Furthermore, Pashinyan’s stance on the Armenian Genocide and the identity of “real Armenia” has caused deep divisions at home. His conflict with the Armenian Apostolic Church and others who defend Armenian traditions and history only adds to the national crisis. 

Pashinyan claims that after the disaster of 2020, he learned hard lessons and made tough decisions. However, many Armenians feel that those decisions came too late, and the cost has been far too high.

True sovereignty and independence cannot be built on the ruins of lost territory and shattered trust. Armenians want real leadership that protects the homeland, honors their history, and rebuilds strong alliances. They want a future where the state’s strength is measured not by empty words but by real security and dignity.

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