Recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin directed at Armenia are not new and should be viewed within a broader strategic context. This view is shared by political analyst Arman Grigoryan, commenting on the growing tension in Armenia–Russia relations.
According to him, Moscow’s tough rhetoric was predictable given the policy course pursued by Yerevan in recent years, but it is also largely linked to the situation formed around Iran as a result of possible actions against it.
The analyst notes that for several years Armenia has been quite openly attempting to reconsider its foreign policy orientation.
“When countries neighboring Russia have adopted such policies, they have always faced resistance from Moscow. Therefore, it would be surprising if the situation were different in Armenia’s case,” Grigoryan emphasizes.
In his view, Putin’s statements should be perceived not as an isolated episode but as a signal connected to Armenia’s possible geopolitical repositioning.
According to the analyst, the discussion is not about realistic prospects of joining the European Union, as membership at this stage remains rather uncertain and largely theoretical. However, for Russia even the fact that Armenia seeks to deepen cooperation with Western partners, including the EU and the United States, is unacceptable.
Discussions are currently taking place in various formats, ranging from security issues to countering hybrid threats. It is this broader strategic line that has triggered Moscow’s reaction.
Grigoryan believes that the current policy course of the Armenian authorities is not new, and the recent hardening of Russia’s rhetoric is also largely linked to changes in the regional situation. In particular, he does not rule out that the escalation of Moscow’s statements is connected with developments around Iran, which affect the balance of power across the region.
“Previously, Russia tried to convey such messages in a softer manner, but now we are seeing more direct and harsher statements,” he concludes.