During recent public appearances, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly confused Armenia and Albania when discussing his efforts to resolve the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Trump has claimed to have brokered peace deals, including one at the White House in August between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and asserted he has ended multiple wars, though these claims have been fact-checked as false. Despite these inaccuracies, Trump continues to highlight these supposed diplomatic victories while campaigning. This includes incorrectly naming the countries involved in these deals.
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During a recent address at the American Cornerstone Institute’s Founders’ Dinner, Donald Trump claimed to have resolved a conflict between Cambodia and Armenia, two nations that have never engaged in war and are thousands of miles apart. This fabricated claim comes after Trump repeatedly boasted about ending multiple global conflicts, a list that includes disputed involvement. The incident is speculated to be a potential gaffe, given earlier details of his speech as well as recent misstatements on geography and arithmetic. Notably, a White House spokeswoman did reiterate the claim that Trump had ended seven wars.
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Once a region firmly under Moscow’s influence, both Armenia and Azerbaijan are now distancing themselves from Russia. This shift is largely due to Russia’s perceived failure to support Armenia during conflicts with Azerbaijan and its subsequent inability to prevent Azerbaijan from reclaiming territory in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has begun pivoting West, while Azerbaijan strengthens ties with Turkey. This shift is not only impacting Russia’s regional influence, but also cutting off vital channels for sanctions evasion and potentially hampering its war efforts in Ukraine.
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Armenian police have refused to extradite Semyon Subbotin, a Russian deserter, despite Russia placing him on an international wanted list for desertion. Subbotin, aided by a project assisting those fleeing mobilization, sought protection from Armenian authorities after learning of potential attempts to forcibly return him to Russia. Following a 72-hour detention, during which Russia attempted to take him without proper procedures, Subbotin was released and remains free. Russia has not yet formally requested his extradition, and any request will be reviewed by Armenian courts.
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On July 7th, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) released a document purporting to be a Russian army order to bolster its military presence at a base in Armenia, a claim that had been previously denied by Yerevan. The HUR alleged that Russia aimed to increase its influence in the South Caucasus and destabilize global security by expanding its forces at the Gyumri base. This development follows a decline in relations between Armenia and Russia, as Armenia has shifted its focus towards the West and suspended its membership in a Russian-led military alliance.
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Ukraine’s Intelligence: Moscow accelerates its troop buildup in Armenia as tensions with Azerbaijan rise, and it’s definitely a situation that’s worth unpacking. It seems like a lot is happening under the surface, and the current moves are raising some significant questions about Russia’s intentions and the broader geopolitical landscape.
It appears that Russia is actively increasing its military presence in Armenia. The timing is, shall we say, rather interesting, given the escalating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This buildup is naturally sparking concerns about the potential for a larger conflict in the region. Are we looking at another front opening up?… Continue reading
Armenia’s National Assembly Speaker, Alen Simonyan, has suggested the country consider suspending the broadcasting of Russian TV channels due to their potential to damage Armenian-Russian relations and interfere in domestic affairs. Simonyan specifically cited concerns about programming potentially funded by pro-Kremlin businessman Samvel Karapetyan, owner of the Gazprom-linked Tashir Holding. This consideration follows reports of Russian information operations aimed at discrediting Ukraine and amid Armenia’s complete freeze of its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization.
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Armenia and Azerbaijan have reached a peace agreement to end nearly four decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region internationally recognized as Azerbaijani but previously controlled by Armenian separatists. The agreement addresses two key articles concerning the deployment of third-country forces and mutual withdrawal of international claims. However, Azerbaijan insists on constitutional changes in Armenia to eliminate territorial claims before signing, a point disputed by Armenia’s Prime Minister. Despite this remaining hurdle, both countries express willingness to continue negotiations toward finalizing the peace treaty.
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Following a previously agreed-upon October 2024 agreement, Russian border guards withdrew from the Agarak checkpoint on the Armenia-Iran border on January 1, 2025, leaving Armenian forces in sole control. This marks a significant step in Armenia’s reduced reliance on Russian security, following a similar Russian withdrawal from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan five months prior. The Russian presence at Agarak dated back to 1991. This action underscores Armenia’s broader shift away from its longstanding close relationship with Russia.
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Armenia’s decision to leave the Russia-led military alliance is a monumental development that speaks volumes about the complex geopolitical landscape in which the nation finds itself. This move underscores a shifting dynamic in international relations, showcasing Armenia’s reevaluation of its alliances and priorities in the face of recent challenges.
The fact that Russia failed to come to Armenia’s defense during a moment of crisis, when the nation was invaded by Azerbaijan, highlights the inherent flaws in the alliance and the lack of protection it provided. This abandonment by a supposed ally undoubtedly played a significant role in Armenia’s decision to depart from the alliance, further emphasizing the fickle nature of international relationships.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood