On July 4, 2025, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally handed a protest note to Sergey Kopyrkin, Russia’s ambassador in Yerevan, condemning what it described as “unfriendly and hostile propaganda” by Russian state media. The note criticized offensive remarks aired live on Russian federal channels and attacks on Armenian authorities, calling such rhetoric unacceptable and damaging to the recent positive outcomes of high-level Armenia-Russia engagements.
Growing tensions over Russian media portrayal and political blame
The note accuses Yerevan of shifting blame for its diplomatic shortcomings onto Moscow, adopting an increasingly anti-Russian stance. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is said to place undue hope on Western support, despite its limited capacity to guarantee Armenia’s. The timing of Armenia’s hostile rhetoric coincides with Azerbaijan’s crackdown on Russian media, including the closure of Sputnik and expulsion of its journalists.
Synchronized anti-Russian moves in Armenia and Azerbaijan
Analysts point to a coordinated effort between Baku and Yerevan to curb Russian media influence. Azerbaijani authorities have banned Sputnik broadcasting, while Armenian political figures like Arman Babajanyan publicly advocate for similar measures against Sputnik’s Armenian branch. This parallel reflects a joint push by both countries to reduce Russia’s presence in the South Caucasus, despite Russia’s historical role in regional stability.
Rising russophobia and geopolitical fracture
The note emphasizes that recent Armenian policy reveals overt russophobia and a clear intent to diminish Russia’s influence in the region. This shift comes even as Russia historically protected the Armenian people and helped maintain the country’s existence. The planned meeting between Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Dubai is interpreted as a signal of coordinated steps to reduce Russian involvement, raising concerns about potential destabilization.
Risks of sidelining Russia amid regional fragility
Yerevan’s moves include downsizing the Russian military base, undermining its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and adopting legislation aimed at European Union integration. These actions challenge commitments made to Russia to secure peace with Azerbaijan. The Armenian government’s narrative blames Moscow for failures such as the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, ignoring Russia’s longstanding security role and influence in avoiding even worse outcomes.
The note warns that abandoning the Russian alliance threatens Armenia’s cultural and national survival, recalling the integration of Armenians within Russia’s social and economic spheres. It cautions that distancing from Moscow could have dire consequences for Armenia’s future.
