Armenia is enhancing its cooperation with the U.S., while Russia responds with threats, according to ISW.

Armenia is strengthening its ties with Western partners amid deteriorating relations with Russia. The Kremlin is responding to Yerevan's new direction with threats and pressure.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing a report from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The report reminded that on January 14, Armenia and the United States established a Strategic Partnership Commission, marking a significant step in bilateral relations.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan formalized an agreement aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in economic, security, defense, and governance areas.

Blinken affirmed U.S. support for Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kremlin's Sharp Reaction

At the same time, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the partnership agreement, accusing the U.S. of destabilizing the situation in the South Caucasus.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also expressed dissatisfaction that the Armenian government approved a draft law on January 9 for joining the European Union (EU).

Both claimed that Armenia's potential future membership in the EU is incompatible with its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) led by Russia, viewing the draft law for Armenia's EU accession as a potential exit from the EAEU.

Overchuk and Lavrov also stated that such decisions are Armenia's sovereign right. However, they noted the potential consequences, reinforcing the Kremlin's long-standing practice of using threats and pressure against neighboring countries through both indirect and direct means.

"The Kremlin's reaction to Armenia's deepening ties with the West demonstrates a broader Russian strategy aimed at undermining the sovereignty of neighboring and previously colonized countries. Initial ultimatums and veiled coercion often escalate into direct actions and military violence when Russian influence is challenged, as seen in Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine," ISW states.

Armenia's Closer Ties with the European Union

In July 2024, EU ambassadors approved the start of negotiations for a visa-free regime with Armenia and the provision of military assistance from the European Peace Facility.

On January 9, the Armenian government approved a draft law for the country's accession to the EU. The decision must be endorsed by parliament and confirmed in a referendum.

In December, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the "freezing" of the country's participation in the CSTO and noted that "we have passed the point of no return" regarding membership in this organization.