Kathrine Frich
When a smaller nation begins to look toward new partners, the old guard often reacts with a mix of shock and stern warnings.
This week, a growing divide between two traditional neighbors has burst into the open, signaling a potential turning point for the region.
Demanding loyalty
The Russian government just issued a staggering public warning to a neighboring nation. Moscow is furious that Armenian leaders recently hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova delivered a blistering statement during her weekly briefing, targeting the visiting dignitary with harsh language.
“Russian society, with deep indignation and bewilderment, not only saw but remembered that Armenia, which we are used to considering a friendly, brotherly country, served as a platform. For whom? For a terrorist,” Zakharova stated, according to AFP cited by Moscow Times.
Breaking old ties
The diplomatic meltdown escalated when the spokesperson brought up the upcoming Victory Day celebrations. She claimed the leadership in Kyiv plans to ruin the May 9 holiday with violent attacks.
“The current, illegitimate Kyiv regime has been issuing threats to strike Moscow during the annual parade on May 9, a day sacred to our peoples. … And no one in Armenia’s current leadership rebuked Zelensky. So whose side of history are you on?” she asked.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refused to back down.
Looking toward Europe
He publicly clarified his exact position regarding the ongoing military conflict. “Back in 2022-2023 I already stated that, on the issue of Ukraine, we are not an ally of Russia,” Pashinyan told reporters on Thursday, according to AFP.
The prime minister also confirmed he will skip the upcoming military parade in Moscow. He cited preparations for national parliamentary elections as his official reason.
Zakharova also blasted a recent joint declaration between Yerevan and the European Union concerning deep economic and security cooperation.
“Such a course by the Armenian authorities will sooner or later lead to Yerevan’s irreversible involvement in Brussels’ anti-Russian line, with all the ensuing political and economic consequences for Armenia,” she said.
A crumbling alliance
The relationship between the two nations has been crumbling for years. Armenian officials essentially froze their participation in a major Russian military alliance in 2024.
AFP notes that Yerevan blamed Moscow for failing to protect ethnic Armenians when Azerbaijan took over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. This perceived betrayal pushed the nation to formally seek European Union membership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his own stark ultimatum last month. He warned the prime minister that joining the European bloc means giving up membership in the Russian customs union.
Sources: AFP, Moscow Times
