Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The former Soviet republic seems to distancing itself from the Russians.
For decades, Armenia relied heavily on Russia for diplomacy and defence, a legacy rooted in their shared Soviet past.
The Kremlin long viewed the country as part of its traditional sphere of influence, a reliable counterweight to Western engagement in the region.
That political balance began to unravel in 2023, when Azerbaijan retook Nagorno-Karabakh in a rapid military operation.
As reported by multiple outlets at the time, Yerevan accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to act, igniting frustration within Armenia’s leadership.
The breakdown accelerated a broader re-evaluation in Yerevan about its security future and foreign alignment.
And now, it might have broken down beyond repair.
Pivot to Brussels
According to EU statements published on Tuesday, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with EU officials to finalise a new framework designed to deepen cooperation.
The document, known as the Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership, sets out plans to expand political, economic and security ties.
The EU’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas, announced the agreement on X, saying:
“Today, we adopted a new Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership.”
She described it as a mutual commitment to collaborate on governance, economic reform and steps toward visa liberalisation. She also confirmed “€15 million towards sustaining peace and a more resilient Armenia.”
The initiative signals a clear diplomatic reorientation that is likely to irritate Moscow, which has watched its regional influence erode.
Regional implications
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on X that the region faces “a once in a generation opportunity to build peace in the South Caucasus,” adding that stability would also strengthen Europe’s trade networks.
For Armenia, the shift marks one of the most significant breaks from Russian oversight since independence, underscoring a rapid realignment driven by security anxieties and lost trust.
Sources: Public EU statements, X
