**Armenia Denies Ukraine’s Intelligence Reports on Russia’s Military Presence**
The Foreign Ministry of Armenia has rejected claims by Ukraine’s military intelligence that Russia was increasing its military presence in the country. The news comes amid a deterioration in Russian-Azerbaijani relations following a deadly operation in Russia.
According to reports, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) claimed that Russia was intensifying its military presence at the Gyumri base in Armenia to exert greater influence in the South Caucasus. HUR alleged that the move was aimed at destabilizing the global security situation. However, Ani Badalyan, the Armenian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, denied these claims.
**Tensions Between Russia and Azerbaijan**
The dispute between Russia and Azerbaijan began after a deadly June 27 operation in Russia’s Yekaterinburg, where Russian security forces killed two Azerbaijani nationals and injured several others. This incident has led to a major deterioration in Russian-Azerbaijani relations.
**Armenia’s Shift Away from Russia**
This news comes as Armenia is drifting closer to the West. The country’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has suspended membership in a Russian-led military alliance and announced plans to join the European Union. There has also been a crackdown on pro-Russian opposition groups in Armenia.
**Implications for Regional Security**
The denial of Ukraine’s intelligence reports by Armenia highlights the complex web of relationships between Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The situation is further complicated by Russia’s leverage over both Baku and Yerevan having diminished dramatically since Azerbaijani troops captured Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.
**Armenia’s Relationship with Russia**
Historically, Armenia has had a close relationship with Russia. However, relations between Yerevan and Moscow have recently deteriorated due to various factors, including Russia’s failure to help Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
**Conclusion**
The denial of Ukraine’s intelligence reports by Armenia marks an important development in regional security dynamics. As tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan continue to escalate, Armenia is likely to remain a key player in regional politics. The implications for global security will be closely watched as this situation continues to unfold.
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