Armenia’s Shift in Military Alliances Amid Strained Ties with Russia
Armenia’s dependence on Russian military supplies is facing significant challenges as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Yerevan highlighted the impact of the Ukraine conflict on arms deliveries. Lavrov admitted that due to pressures from the ongoing war in Ukraine, some weapons contracts with Armenia have been delayed or reassigned. "We cannot fulfil all our obligations on time," he stated, reflecting Russia’s struggles amidst its catastrophic military campaign.
Armenia’s reliance on Russian weaponry is particularly critical in its long-standing conflict with Azerbaijan, which has escalated since the late 1980s. Following a recent military operation by Azerbaijan in September 2023 to retake the Nagorno-Karabakh region—a separatist enclave primarily populated by ethnic Armenians—Armenia has sought alternative military partnerships. Facing accusations that Russian peacekeepers failed to protect fleeing ethnic Armenians during Azerbaijan’s swift takeover, Yerevan is increasingly turning to Western nations, notably France and India, for military support.
Lavrov expressed concerns over Armenia’s growing ties with countries he deemed part of the "hostile camp," pointing out the implications of collaborating with France, where officials have publicly criticized Russia. This shift comes amid a backdrop of deepening mistrust towards Russia, exemplified by Armenia’s suspension from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) last year.
As Armenia reassesses its strategic alliances and looks westward for military aid, the dynamics of the region face a transformative shift, prompted by the failures of Russian allegiance at a time of critical need. The future of Armenia’s defense and its position in the ongoing Azerbaijan conflict may significantly hinge on how these new partnerships evolve.
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