Armenia’s worsening ties with Russia are seen as potentially triggering the gravest challenges for the nation, touching both the political arena and the economy. This concern was voiced in a recent interview carried by RIA News, in which Aregnaz Manukyan, a member of the Armenian parliament from the opposition bloc Armenia, laid out his assessment of the developing situation. He stressed a firm stance against altering Armenia’s established foreign policy principles, arguing that the country should never become a bargaining chip in larger geopolitical conflicts. According to Manukyan, any move in that direction would bring a surge of simultaneous and severe difficulties across multiple sectors of Armenian life, complicating government action and undermining stability at home. He urged policymakers to hold a steady course that preserves Armenia’s autonomy and strategic priorities, even amid regional pressures and shifting alliances.
In a separate development, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan addressed the matter in an interview with the Argentinian channel Todos Noticias, reiterating the importance of coherent policy directions in the current regional landscape. The exchanges reflect ongoing debates within Yerevan about how best to balance relations with major partners while safeguarding national interests and security.
Adding to the discussion, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently commented on the overall outlook for Armenia–Russia relations. He indicated that the dynamic does not inspire optimism, noting concerns tied to Armenia’s geographic position. Lavrov highlighted what he described as the persistent labeling of the Russian armed forces, the border guards, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, including its footprint at the 102nd military base in Gyumri, as elements in a broader narrative. The remarks underscore the sensitivity surrounding Moscow’s influence and Armenia’s strategic choices within the CSTO framework.
Earlier analyses by regional experts had already offered forecasts about the trajectory of the Armenia–Russia relationship, emphasizing the potential implications for security guarantees, economic cooperation, and political alignment. The evolving dialogue suggests that Yerevan faces a delicate balancing act as it navigates security commitments and its own growth priorities amid a shifting geopolitical environment.