Armenian PM Apologizes After Public Clash Over Nagorno-Karabakh in Metro

Confrontation in Yerevan Subway

According to Главком: On March 23, 2026, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan became embroiled in a heated argument with a female passenger in the Yerevan metro. The exchange, which centered on the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, drew the attention of other commuters. Pashinyan, addressing the woman's criticism, stated:

“We did everything so you could live in Karabakh, and in 2023 you were the ones accusing me of closing the borders to stop people from leaving Karabakh for Armenia. Now you have come here and are saying: oh, but we want to return.”

A Public Apology

Following the incident, Pashinyan issued a public apology via his Telegram channel. He addressed the woman, identified as Armine Mosiyan, and her child directly, writing:

“I apologize to the woman from Karabakh and her child and invite them to a new meeting.”

The Prime Minister further expressed his willingness to continue the dialogue, adding: “I would like this conversation to happen. I know you will refuse and say a few harsh words in parting. I humbly accept that, but if it suddenly occurs to you to calmly, without emotion, agree and talk-on camera or by phone-know that I am at your disposal and accept this invitation in advance.”

This public spat highlights the deep and ongoing tensions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, a region over which Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a war in 2020. Pashinyan's direct engagement and apology may signal an attempt to address the grievances of displaced Karabakh Armenians while navigating a complex political landscape. The incident occurred on the same day Armenia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the U.S. Vice President, a move seen as part of Yerevan's broader effort to strengthen international partnerships and seek stability in the region.