**Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Reveals Russian Plan to Boost Presence in Armenia**
In a move that has sparked concerns about the stability of the South Caucasus region, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) has published what it claims is a Russian army order to increase its military presence at a base in Armenia. This development comes just two days after HUR warned of such a move, which was denied by Armenian authorities.
According to HUR, the Russian army plan involves replenishing units stationed at the Gyumri base with personnel from other parts of Russia’s Southern Military District. The alleged order lists specific measures for the “urgent ‘replenishment'” of the units, sparking fears about Moscow’s intentions in the region. This revelation has added fuel to an already tense situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, following a deadly incident in Russia last month.
**Russian-Armenian Relations Deteriorate**
The tensions between Russia and Armenia have been escalating in recent months. While the two countries have traditionally enjoyed close ties, relations have cooled since Azerbaijani forces captured Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-controlled region in Azerbaijan, in 2023. Russian peacekeepers withdrew from the area, and now Baku and Yerevan are negotiating a permanent peace deal.
Armenia has been increasingly critical of Russia’s handling of the conflict, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accusing Moscow of failing to provide adequate support during the crisis. This criticism has led to Armenia drifting closer to the West, with plans to join the European Union and suspend its membership in a Russian-led military alliance.
**Pro-Russian Opposition Crackdown**
In recent times, there has been a crackdown on pro-Russian opposition groups in Armenia. The government has sought to consolidate power and move away from Moscow’s influence. Meanwhile, Russia’s leverage over both Azerbaijan and Armenia has diminished significantly since the 2023 conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The latest development, as revealed by HUR, suggests that Russia is attempting to reassert its presence in Armenia through military means. This could lead to further escalation of tensions between Yerevan and Moscow, with far-reaching implications for regional stability.
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