(September 28, 2023)

But recent events also reflect a change in the geopolitical winds. The Kremlin does not disguise its contempt and distrust for Armenian President Nikol Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 amid anti-government protests against a corrupt, Russia-backed regime. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Pashinyan has attempted to accelerate an Armenian pivot to the West with steps that included a tranche of humanitarian aid to Kyiv and planned military exercises with the United States.