The Russian army has suddenly withdrawn from Armenia! This is not only because of Armenian demands, but also because of a complex set of backgrounds and causes and consequences. Here, we will find out why the Russian army is doing this and what impact this action has on the situation in the region.
Relations between Russia and Armenia have been complex and volatile in recent years, especially in the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus. This large-scale withdrawal began on March 6, 2023, when the secretary of the Armenian Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, publicly stated that Armenia intended to manage its own borders and asked the Russian army to withdraw. The request appears to be motivated by dissatisfaction with the lack of sufficient support for the two conflicts that Russia has encountered in Armenia over the past few years.
The contradictions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history, especially in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Although on November 10, 2022, the leaders of the three countries signed a tripartite agreement to maintain order in the region by Russian troops, Armenia's trust in the Russian army has gradually waned. Russia has deployed 1,960 troops and a large amount of military equipment on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was originally planned until 2025.
The situation has developed far beyond expectations. In 2023, the head of the Armenian parliament, Alan Simonyan, also expressed a similar position, demanding the withdrawal of Russian border guards, showing Armenia's desire to strengthen its autonomous defense capabilities. In addition, Armenia's diplomatic tactics are quietly changing, and they are beginning to seek more support from Western countries. In early April, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan even publicly stated that Armenia regards the United States and Europe as its main partners.
By April 18, the Greek website Pentapostagma broke the news that Russia had evacuated its peacekeeping forces from Karabakh, including 2,000 soldiers and 100 armored personnel carriers. The press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, also confirmed the news, marking the official end of the operation of the Russian army in Karabakh.
This withdrawal is not only a response to Armenia's demands, but also an adjustment of Russia to the current geopolitical situation. Armenia has increasingly close relations with the West, especially in the military and economic spheres. For example, on April 9, France announced that it would supply Armenia with military equipment, including armored vehicles and radar systems, and train Armenian servicemen in air defense systems.
This series of actions shows that Armenia is gradually dissociating itself from the traditional circle of Russian influence and seeking closer cooperation with Western countries. This shift is undoubtedly a challenge for Russia, as it means that its influence in this strategic location may weaken. The decision to withdraw troops is not only an adaptation to Armenia's increasingly independent foreign policy, but may also be the result of Russia's reassessment of its global strategic priorities.
At the same time, there is no consensus in Russia about the withdrawal. Some see this as a legitimate response to Russia's actions to show respect for the needs of its allies and international pressure, while others see it as a concession by Russia on the international stage that could weaken its influence elsewhere. In addition, nationalist groups within Russia strongly resented this, considering it a betrayal of the concept of the "Russian world".
In the specific operation of the withdrawal, the Russian army showed efficient organizational capabilities. According to reports, the withdrawal operation was carried out in conditions of extreme secrecy and efficiency. The supplies and equipment of the Russian army were quickly loaded, the soldiers completed the assembly in a short time and returned to Moscow without incident in a few days. The withdrawal also demonstrates the capabilities of the Russian army in terms of rapid mobilization and mobilization of large-scale forces.
This withdrawal has also aroused widespread concern in the international community. Some analysts believe that this could be an important adjustment in Russia's global strategic layout, especially given Russia's tense relations with Western countries on multiple fronts. At the same time, it is also seen as a response to Armenia's gradual shift to the Western camp.
Within the region, Azerbaijan has reacted to the withdrawal with mixed feelings. Azerbaijani officials welcome the withdrawal of Russian troops from Nagorno-Karabakh as helping to restore peace and stability in the region, and there are concerns that the withdrawal of Russian troops may leave a security vacuum in the region and affect Azerbaijan's national security.
The domestic response to the withdrawal of Russian troops in Armenia is more complicated. While some people are pleased to be able to control national security more autonomously, many are worried that Armenia's position could be challenged by neighboring countries without Russia's strong backing. At the same time, the Armenian government is facing increasing internal pressures, and they need to prove in the near future that this decision is correct and will ensure the long-term security and development of the country.
Russia's withdrawal is not just a simple military act, but also reflects profound changes in the regional and global political and economic landscape. It remains to be seen how this event will ultimately affect the security and political balance in the South Caucasus.