Russian-Armenian Relations Will ‘Inevitably Change,’ Pashinyan Says

Sep. 21, 2026 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Sputnik / Petr Kovalev / Reuters Relations between Russia and Armenia are bound to shift regardless of who holds power in Yerevan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, as his country gradually normalizes ties with Azerbaijan and moves closer to Europe. “Our relations with Russia will inevitably change. This is not connected to any individual or political force. Whoever it may be, Armenia-Russia relations will not be the same as before,” Pashinyan said in an interview published this weekend. He said bilateral ties “cannot remain the same as long as there is an environment of peace in Armenia.” Tensions between traditional allies Russia and Armenia have grown since Azerbaijan regained control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Armenia accused Russia and its peacekeeping forces of failing to deter Baku’s military offensive. “Armenia-Russia relations under conditions of conflict are one thing, while Armenia-Russia relations under conditions of peace are another,” Pashinyan told Boon TV. Last week, Pashinyan said Armenia would not oppose the possible closure of a Russian military base in the city of Gyumri. The facility hosts around 3,000 Russian troops and is located near the Turkish border. Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month that he was ready to order the closure of the military base “even tomorrow” if Armenia decided it no longer desired the Russian military presence. A 2010 agreement extends Russia’s right to operate the military base until 2044. Armenia also froze its participation in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 2024 and has taken steps toward possible EU membership. The Kremlin has reacted with mounting economic pressure, introducing import bans and restrictions on Armenian goods this year. In June, Putin warned Yerevan against growing closer to Brussels, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s initial push toward European integration. AFP contributed reporting. Read more about: Armenia , Diplomacy Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Kremlin Hopes Armenia Joining ICC Will Not Affect Relations Yerevan is now required to arrest Vladimir Putin if he sets foot on Armenian territory, as the ICC issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader last... 1 Min read Armenia, Azerbaijan Optimistic on Normalization at Moscow Talks Arch foes Armenia and Azerbaijan are advancing toward normalizing ties following mutual recognition of territorial integrity. 2 Min read Russia Says Roadmap in the Works to Mend Syria-Turkey Ties Russian mediation would give the Kremlin diplomatic clout amid its international isolation over the offensive in Ukraine. 2 Min read Armenia Revolts: Forget Social Protest, This Time It’s Serious That thousands of Yerevan residents should take to the streets, as they have done every day this past week, is no real surprise. But this summer’s protest...