Russia reasserts iron grip over Armenia after Rubio’s high-profile visit?

Russia has declared that its military presence in Armenia remains secure despite growing U.S. and European influence in the South Caucasus. Sergei Shoigu said Moscow sees “no reasons” to withdraw its 102nd Military Base from Gyumri, dismissing concerns over Armenia’s expanding ties with the West. The remarks came shortly after renewed U.S.-Armenia engagement linked to Marco Rubio and amid rising geopolitical tensions surrounding Armenia’s pivot toward Europe. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has frozen participation in several Russia-led security structures while pushing deeper cooperation with the European Union and Washington. Despite tensions, Russia continues to maintain thousands of troops, MiG-29 fighter jets, and S-300 air defence systems at its strategic Gyumri base, reinforcing Moscow’s determination to preserve influence across the South Caucasus.