Vladimir Putin finds himself increasingly isolated on the global stage. Last year's invasion of Ukraine has left him with few friends, one of them being North Korea's Kim Jong-Un. However, not everyone is as steadfast as Kim. Armenia, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, has recently reconsidered its alliance with Russia.
Armenia, a former Soviet republic, has long relied on Russia for its security. However, Pashinyan now considers this reliance a "strategic mistake," as reported by CNN. He argues that Russia itself is in need of weapons and can no longer meet Armenia's security needs.
Armenia is particularly concerned about escalating conflicts and tensions with Azerbaijan. The country feels betrayed by Russia's inability or unwillingness to intervene in the ongoing disputes between the two nations. As a result, Armenia has started military exercises with the United States, much to Russia's annoyance.
Some analysts attribute Russia's lack of action to being preoccupied with its invasion of Ukraine. Others believe that Russia's unwillingness to choose between Armenia and Azerbaijan has effectively made them choose Azerbaijan.
This passive stance is seen as a pro-Azerbaijani position.
Armenia had invested years, even centuries, in the belief that Russia would fulfill its strategic commitments and defend them against foreign aggression. This belief has been shattered, as Russia has failed to act in 2020, 2021, and now in 2022.
