Tensions are escalating between Russia and its long-time ally Armenia. The Russian government has issued a stern warning to Armenia, accusing it of making a "huge mistake" by criticizing Russian peacekeeping forces in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh during Azerbaijan's recent military offensive.
Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly stated that Russia "refused to intervene" in the conflict, which ultimately led to Armenian separatists laying down their arms.
This criticism comes on the heels of Armenia conducting joint military exercises with the United States, Russia's arch-enemy.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has released a statement warning Armenia that it is making a "huge mistake" by deliberately destroying its long-standing and multifaceted ties with Russia.
The statement further criticizes Pashinyan's remarks as "unacceptable attacks on Russia."
The ministry accuses Armenia of being a pawn in the geopolitical games of the West.
"The Armenian government is making a huge mistake by deliberately destroying Armenia's multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the Western world," the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized.
Under Vladimir Putin's rule, the relationship between Russia and Armenia has deteriorated. Russia has distanced itself from the democratic developments in Armenia, while increasingly aligning with Azerbaijan's authoritarian regime.
According to human rights professor Vahan Bournazian, both Putin and Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev feel threatened by Armenia's democratic progress.
