Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin commented on Armenia, noting that the Armenian people are highly capable and unlikely to compromise to NATO’s attempts to broaden its influence in the region. The remark was covered by TASS, which highlighted his view that Armenia should remain cautious about any move into NATO’s security sphere.
Galuzin stressed that Moscow does not issue orders to others and warned that joining NATO would not necessarily bolster Armenia’s security. The emphasis was on maintaining balanced regional relationships rather than aligning with any distant security bloc.
On September 5, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation called on Armenia to address statements related to the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court ICC. This development occurred amid ongoing diplomatic engagements and reflects Moscow’s interest in Armenia’s stance on international justice frameworks.
In a separate and widely discussed matter, on March 17, 2022, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber in The Hague issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights. The Kremlin characterized the ICC decision as invalid, asserting that Moscow does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction. The press secretary for the Russian president issued statements reinforcing the Kremlin’s position on the warrants, underscoring the assessment that the ICC’s move conflicted with Russia’s legal understanding of international accountability.
Earlier developments in South Africa, where the arrest of Putin was described in terms of a declaration of war, were cited in discussions surrounding the ICC case and the broader questions of international law and sovereignty. Analysts noted that reactions from Moscow reflect a broader pattern of challenging external judicial authorities while maintaining a firm stance on national sovereignty and presidential prerogatives. The situation continues to influence diplomatic dialogues across the region and shapes how allied nations balance security concerns with international legal processes. Different observers argue about the implications for Armenia, Russia, and neighboring states as they navigate strategic partnerships, regional stability, and the evolving framework of international accountability, with each side presenting its rationale for cooperation or resistance in the face of evolving global norms.