Russia"s Alleged Coup Attempt in Armenia Amid Western Shift

Armenia, traditionally aligned with Moscow, has shifted its foreign policy towards the West following the onset of the Ukraine war. This pivot has led to tensions with Russia, which allegedly attempted to orchestrate a coup against Armenia's pro-Western government. Prosecutors in Armenia reported that a group of insurgents, trained and funded by Moscow, was disrupted by local security forces before they could execute their plan to seize power. Seven individuals are set to face charges related to this coup attempt. The insurgents, six of whom were Armenians, underwent extensive training in Russia, including weaponry and loyalty assessments, and were reportedly paid substantial salaries during their preparation. This incident highlights the deteriorating relationship between Armenia and Russia, especially after Armenia's decision to freeze its membership in the CSTO military alliance and engage in humanitarian support for Ukraine. In contrast, Azerbaijan has strengthened its ties with Russia, complicating the geopolitical landscape in the region. The Armenian Prime Minister has criticized the effectiveness of Russian peacekeeping forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, particularly after a recent Azerbaijani offensive led to a mass exodus of Armenians from the enclave. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed a commitment to continue Armenia's Western pivot, indicating a potential interest in EU membership. This shift reflects Armenia's desire for greater security and support from Western nations amid growing concerns over Russian influence and actions in the region.