Yes Russia has been an important factor but in the 19th century Russia was also repressive - it opposed to any independence movement by Armenians on its own territory and on this, sometimes found common ground with Ottoman Turkey. Every nation should learn to stand on its feet. Those Armenians who have dreamt of being rescued by this or that Christian power have been badly disappointed. Those who dream of foreign rescue probably i) don't have faith in fellow Armenians ii) are not willing to sacrifice themselves for what they claim to believe in. Armenia's alliance with Russia has been an important deterrant. But ultimately it is self-belief and self reliance that will guarantee Armenia's security

From the times of David Bek to the war of liberation in Artsakh our close relationship with Russians, and with communists, made it possible to secure an Armenian nation in the Caucasus – in what is perhaps the most unforgiving and volatile place on earth. Had it not been for the Russian Empire we Armenians would not have had a revolutionary movement in the late 19th century, we would not have had a republic in the Caucasus, nor would we have had a modern metropolis called Yerevan… And had it not been for the modern Russian Federation, Azerbaijan and Turkey would have destroyed Armenia/Artsakh a very-very long time ago… Big talking diasporans are not the reason why Turks and Azeris don’t cross the Armenian border with tanks – its Russians. The bottom line is, the reason why we enjoy a secure republic in the Caucasus, despite all it internal and external problems, is because of its intimate relationship with Russia. Long live Mother Russia!

There have been 11 wars between Turkey and Russia. Ten times Christian Great Russians beat Muslim Turks, so that Turks could think that it was because of the type of their religion. And only once, Ottoman Turks were able to beat brave Christian Russians through the help and support of pseudo-Christian Great Britain, France, and Sardinia.