Armenia is currently undergoing peacekeeping drills alongside U.S forces amid escalating tensions with neighboring Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The situation has been further complicated by a blockade on the Latin Corridor, the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. This blockade has been in place for eight months, during which Russian peacekeepers have failed to maintain the corridor open.
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's denial of any problems with Armenia, it has been reported that Armenia is shifting its foreign policy, turning away from Russia and towards the West. This shift is evident in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, where Russian influence is still prevalent, but there is a growing appreciation for ordinary Russians living in the country.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is dire, with long lines outside stores selling rationed bread, empty shelves in pharmacies and grocery stores, and only ambulances allowed through. The Armenian government has recognized Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh, but the ceasefire has been fragile for nine months.
Armenia and the U.S are now conducting joint military exercises, which is seen as a move away from Russia. This shift is seen as a clear signal to Russia and a sign of Armenia's intent to detach itself from Russia. However, Armenian fears persist that Russia could turn from a protecting power into an aggressor.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is further complicated by the fact that aid is being sent through a corridor from Azerbaijan, which the Armenians living in the region fear could lead to the arrival of Azerbaijani police and potentially imprisonment for men who fought against Azerbaijan in the past.
The Armenian government's actions, such as the Prime Minister's congratulations to the separatist regime in Nagorno-Karabakh, have been seen as undermining the peace process. Despite acknowledging Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian government's actions suggest a de facto independence of the region. This one-sidedness and the continued blockade have led to a deadlock in the region.
1. Armenia is conducting peacekeeping drills with U.S forces as tensions rise with neighboring Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
2. Azerbaijan has blocked a humanitarian passage called the Latin Corridor, which is the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia for over eight months.
3. Russian peacekeepers have failed to keep the corridor open.
4. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that there are no problems with Armenia.
5. Armenia is turning away from Russia and is now looking towards the West.
6. Russian influence can be found everywhere in Yerevan, the Armenian capital.
7. Thousands of Russians, many of whom fled the war in Ukraine, now live in Armenia.
8. The streets of Yerevan are filled with praise for ordinary Russians.
9. The Armenian government has recognized Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh.
10. The ceasefire has been fragile for nine months, and Azerbaijan has blocked access to the region from the Armenian side via the Lashin Corridor.
11. The aid convoy has been waiting to pass since July.
12. Armenia is holding joint military exercises with the U.S.
13. Armenia has threatened to withdraw from the military alliance with Russia.
14. Armenia has announced that it will ratify the Rome Statute, which could lead to Putin's arrest.
15. There is a corridor to Azerbaijan, and Russia has sent aid through that route.
16. Armenia has acknowledged Azerbaijan's sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh.
17. Azerbaijan has been continuing to block the Lachin Corridor.
18. Limited access from Armenia into Nagorno-Karabakh exists, but there is direct access from Azerbaijan.
19. After the second Karabakh war, the Armenian side was the separatist regime in Karabakh as well as the Armenian government.
20. The Armenian government promised to pull out its troops from the Karabakh region by September last year, but there are still around 10,000 Armenian troops on the ground in Karabakh.