NATO Chief Visits Kyiv After Russian Strikes

President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning to Armenia, stating that continued pursuit of European Union membership could result in the termination of cheap Russian oil and gas supplies. This threat precedes an upcoming parliamentary election in Armenia, where polls indicate a likely victory for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who leans towards the West. Armenia, a nation of 3 million with deep historical ties to Russia, relies heavily on Moscow. Russia has already demonstrated its leverage by imposing temporary bans on key Armenian exports ahead of the vote. Putin's warning underscores a broader challenge for Moscow: as the war in Ukraine continues with no clear end, Russia is engaged in a complex global effort to maintain its geopolitical standing. While Russia dedicates resources to the conflict in Ukraine, the European Union and the United States are actively courting and pressuring traditional Russian allies. This influence campaign extends from Havana and Caracas to Central Asia and even West Africa, where Russian forces are involved in counter-extremist operations. Russian influence is demonstrably under pressure across various regions. Maria Zakharova, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, expressed deep concern over Armenia's "rapprochement with the Euro-Atlantic community," which she described as being directed against Moscow. Russian war bloggers and analysts suggest a coordinated Western effort to diminish Russia's presence in the South Caucasus region, including Armenia. One source close to the Russian government indicated that countries like Armenia are observing the outcome of the Ukraine war and are already forging new relationships while Russia is preoccupied.

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Of course, we are deeply concerned about the Armenian authorities’ policy of rapprochement with the Euro-Atlantic community whose core policy is directed against Moscow