‘Russia will meet such steps with hostility’: Alexander Perendzhiev on Armenia-NATO cooperation

Speaking to Alpha News, Russian military expert Alexander Perendzhiev commented on Armenia’s desire to participate in NATO projects and the future of the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri.

“Of course, such steps will be met with hostility by Russia. Armenia is a member of the CSTO, and, as you understand, we also have agreements. The collective security system that we are always talking about has been built within the framework of the CSTO. There is an exchange of information, especially through the General Staffs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Security Councils of our states. And it turns out that such cooperation makes it unclear to what extent it is possible and necessary to interact with Armenia as part of the same collective security. That is, what degree of restriction should there be? Moreover, as you also know, there have been issues with joint American-Armenian exercises.

If we talk not only about the territory of Ukraine but, probably, about some other territories, Russia is now in almost direct confrontation with NATO,” Perendzhiev noted.

According to the expert, the relationship between Armenia and Russia will undergo changes in light of Armenia’s interaction with NATO.

“Russia clearly condemns and will condemn such actions on the part of official Yerevan. Russia will monitor this situation very critically. And, probably, Russia will remind Armenia of some agreements that it must fulfill. And, probably, the question will be raised about changing or even canceling them. That is, the policy of double standards on the part of Armenia will, of course, modify Russian-Armenian relations,” Perendzhiev said.

Regarding the fate of the Russian 102nd military base on the territory of Armenia, the expert believes that its withdrawal could have an adverse impact on the security of Armenia itself.

“For Russia, this may be ‘a discharge of ballast’. Just as we once left Georgia or Gabala (Azerbaijan). The question is whether the very withdrawal of the Russian base is a threat to Armenia itself. I believe this is how the question should be posed. But for Russia, this is not a threat; this is a challenge. Just a challenge,” Perendzhiev said.