Russia is allegedly attempting to prevent Armenia from diversifying its connectivity and foreign-policy ties away from Moscow [1].

This tension highlights a struggle for sovereignty in the Caucasus, as Armenia seeks to transition from a peripheral state of Russia to an independent actor on the global stage.

Anna Ohanyan, the Richard B. Finnegan Distinguished Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Stonehill College, discussed the dynamics during an interview with France 24 [1]. Ohanyan said that Russia wants to keep Armenia within its geopolitical sphere and opposes moves that increase Armenian connectivity with Europe or other non-Russian partners [1].

Ohanyan challenged the idea that the country is simply switching allegiances. She said, "The narrative of 'Armenia pivoting from Russia to Europe is a misconception" [1]. Instead, she described the process as a broadening of horizons rather than a binary choice between East and West.

According to Ohanyan, the pressure from the Kremlin is an attempt to force a specific worldview on the Armenian government. She said, "Putin is trying to apply on Armenia his geopolitical binary" [1]. This binary approach suggests that any move toward Western connectivity is an automatic move away from Russian security or cooperation.

Despite this pressure, Ohanyan said that the current trajectory indicates a shift toward greater autonomy. She said, "Armenia is diversifying its foreign policy and emerging from Russia's peripheral state to a sovereign and independent state" [1].

The effort to diversify connectivity includes seeking new diplomatic, and infrastructural partnerships to reduce the systemic reliance on a single power [1].

“"The narrative of 'Armenia pivoting from Russia to Europe is a misconception".”

The friction between Yerevan and Moscow reflects a broader trend of post-Soviet states attempting to establish 'multi-vector' foreign policies. By resisting a binary choice between Russia and the West, Armenia is attempting to secure its national interests through a wider array of international partnerships, which directly challenges Russia's traditional sphere of influence in the South Caucasus.