On the 3rd of last month, the Armenian parliament voted to become a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, a move that caused dissatisfaction in Russia, because the ICC had previously sentenced Russia to Putin for "war crimes" and issued an arrest warrant. Although Armenia is one of Russia's friendly countries, this decision adversely affected relations between the two countries. Armenia had just experienced a new round of conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where Azerbaijan defeated the Armenian army and expelled it from Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to disappointment and resentment in Armenia for Russia's failure to fulfill its responsibility to protect CSTO allies. In fact, there have always been tense relations between Armenia and Russia, and the Asian side has moved closer to NATO in the field of equipment and signed military cooperation agreements with Greece, Cyprus and other NATO countries. This series of actions has left Russia in crisis, believing that contacts between Armenia and the West could have a significant impact on Russia's security. Therefore, Russia proposes to temporarily list Armenia as an "observer country".
At a meeting, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan once again shouted at the Russian side, accusing Russia of not delivering the ** equipment ordered by Armenia on time. He said that the Asian side ordered a large amount of ** from Russia, but after payment, the Russian side still did not deliver the corresponding equipment. Armenia hopes that a solution can be found and says that if Russia is unable to deliver**, they can offset it through debt relief. In addition, Pashinyan also accused Russian television of interfering in Armenia and violating the principle of "non-interference in internal affairs", hoping that the Russian side will pay attention to this issue.
The Asian side's criticism of the Russian side is very fierce, highlighting the current tension in relations between the two countries. Previously, it was reported that Russia had sent a large amount of equipment to foreign countries (especially ally countries) before the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, but due to the sudden outbreak of the war, many orders were not delivered in time. Armenia's public request to the Russian side for the delivery of ** this time has brought renewed attention to relations between the two countries. Although Armenia and Russia remain ostensibly allies and have not formally withdrawn from the CSO, this public dispute has undoubtedly made the gap between the two countries even more apparent.
The security situation in Armenia has been a matter of great concern. Armenia has experienced painful conflicts and conflicts, especially the dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which once led to large-scale military conflicts. This conflict, which led to the defeat of the Armenian army by Azerbaijan and the expulsion from the Nagorno-Karabakh region, made Armenia disappointed and resentful of Russian protection. In this context, Armenia's intensification of military cooperation with NATO countries and its convergence with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court can be seen as a way for the Asian side to seek security guarantees.
However, the dissatisfaction of the Asian side with Russia stems mainly from the failure of the Russian side to fulfill its responsibility to protect Armenia. Armenia hopes to strengthen its defense capability by purchasing Russian equipment, but the long-term delay in delivery issues has made the Asian side very frustrated. In their opinion, Russia, as an ally of Armenia, should fulfill its commitments to protect its security. Armenia's request for debt relief can be seen as a response to Russia and an attempt to solve the problem.
Relations between Russia and Armenia have always been very complicated. Although Armenia was once part of the Soviet Union and has close historical ties with Russia, there are also contradictions and controversies in relations between the two sides. Armenia has always hoped that Russia would do more to fulfill its responsibility to protect its allies and provide more support and assistance. However, Russia, as a regional power, needs to consider not only support for Armenia, but also the overall stability of the region.
Armenia's disappointment and dissatisfaction with Russia stems in part from Russia's performance in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Asian side believes that Russia did not intervene in time and did not fulfill its obligations to protect Armenia, which led to the defeat of the Armenian army. Although this conflict has ended, Armenia's accusations and doubts about the Russian side have not stopped. This attitude of Armenia is also a warning to the Russian side, indicating that the Asian side has higher expectations for Russia's support in the future.
The Prime Minister of Armenia called out to Russia and demanded that the Russian side deliver the ** equipment ordered earlier, otherwise it can be deducted through debt relief. This incident highlights the complex and tense relations between Armenia and Russia. The Asian side expressed its disappointment and dissatisfaction with Russia's performance in the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, believing that Russia has not fulfilled its responsibility to protect Armenia. Armenia's strengthening of relations with NATO countries and its own security precautions are also a response to Russia's policy. Behind this, Armenia's consideration of regional security issues and its expectations for Russia have always existed. However, as a regional power, Russia's support for Asia needs to consider the overall stability and interests, which has also become a major challenge for the relationship between the two sides.
In the dispute between Armenia and Russia, we can see the complexity of regional security issues and the balance of power. In realpolitik, the policies and interests of countries are formulated according to their own needs and interests, so the relationship between them is complex and changeable. As a small country, Armenia needs to think not only about its own security, but also about its relations with major powers in order to achieve its own strategic goals. As a regional power, Russia needs to take into account Armenia's concerns and needs while safeguarding its own interests. Cooperation between the two countries needs to be based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit in order to achieve common interests and regional stability.