Nikol Pashinyan told the nation in a major television address that Armenia's current foreign security alliances were "ineffective" and "insufficient."

The capture of Armenia's soldiers comes at a delicate time for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of snap elections next month.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Prime Minister Pashinyan and "called on all parties to show restraint."

Armenian Prime Minister had earlier asked Russia to begin talks on security assistance in its conflict with Azerbaijan.