Russian officials have expressed their concerns about Armenia’s increasing alignment with the West. This comes after a NATO representative voiced support for Yerevan’s policies in the region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Armenia is reorienting its foreign policy towards the West at the expense of its longstanding alliance with Russia. Lavrov also highlighted Armenia’s deepening ties with NATO, including participation in events and modernizing armed forces according to NATO standards. He cautioned that this could lead to a loss of sovereignty in the field of national defense and security.

When asked about Lavrov’s remarks, Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin pointed out that it is Russia, through the joint observer mission in Artsakh with NATO member Turkey, that has opened a foothold for the alliance in the region. Kopyrkin explained that Russia concerns itself with the “collective West” declaring Russia as their strategic opponent and enemy. He emphasized that Moscow views politics as “either with us or against us” and attributes this viewpoint to the West’s objectives of forcing conflict against Russia. Kopyrkin stated that Russia’s concern is understandable and justified.