The sea in Russian strategy
Edited by Andrew Monaghan and Richard Connolly
Publisher: Manchester University Press (August 2023)
272 pages, English
$21.95

Understanding Russia’s foreign policy or strategy in the post-Ukraine war era may be complex to most of us. Reading a few articles in western media on Russia, or traveling a few times to Russia, won’t make us experts on Russian politics. Andrew Monaghan and Richard Connolly are two of the few western experts who write objectively on Russia by analyzing reports and literature published by Russian political and military experts. In their recent edited volume, The sea in Russian strategy, they provide a very timely contribution regarding Moscow’s maritime capability and intent. 

For those who are interested in Russia’s foreign policy, the book is valuable for two reasons. First, it helps us to compare Russian strategy and shipbuilding plans within the context of the war in Ukraine. Second, while it argues that Russia’s land and air forces received a heavy blow in the Ukraine war, its naval force is stronger than ever. 

The sea in Russian strategy is also the first well-written examination of Russia’s maritime power after the fall of the Soviet Union. The book brings together leading experts (with history, military and security backgrounds) to reflect on historical and contemporary aspects of Russia’s naval strategy and capacities. The authors also provide special attention to the Arctic region at a time of mounting tensions between Russia and NATO which some experts call the “Fourth Battle of the Atlantic.” The experts also sketch a trajectory of Russia’s power at sea and consider current capabilities and problems, as well as the Kremlin’s strategic planning for the future. 

In the book, the term sea power, which is relatively used to encompass military and non-military dimensions, is a significant component of Russia’s wider strategy and is likely to rise in importance. The sea is seen as vital to domestic industrial and regional development. To develop Russia’s Arctic and offshore natural resource base, huge investment is being made in Russia’s domestic shipbuilding industry and in building capabilities to extract and transport oil and gas. 

By the year 2000, as the experts mention in the book, there were debates in Moscow that “Russia may lose its status as the world’s second strongest naval power,” where in the Baltic, Russia would become inferior to Germany and Sweden, and in the Black Sea region, it would be inferior to Turkey. However, this has changed in the last two decades as President Putin heavily invested in Russia’s naval forces.

According to the authors, it is increasingly important to have a nuanced grasp of the sea in contemporary Russian strategy for three interconnected primary reasons. First, there is a wider “maritime turn” in international affairs of which Russia is a part. Second, the sea is more significant in the Russian leadership’s thinking and activity—the Russian naval activity in the Black, Caspian and Mediterranean Seas, in addition to the Arctic Ocean reflects this thinking. Finally, throughout the ages, Russia’s perception of the sea has changed based on certain geopolitical and geo-economic developments. One needs to explain these three reasons.

First, the sea serves as a connective fiber of global power, with growth in global trade by sea. Analysts suggest that some 80 to 90-percent of global trade by volume is seaborne. This has led to a dramatic increase in spending on navies. In Asia, China, India, Japan and Australia started upgrading their naval forces and investing in key ports. This fact has led to a “paradigm shift” in naval matters with the development of new submarines and carrier-killer missiles. For this reason, Russian ports are used as “secure hubs,” not only to prevent long-ranged attacks against the Russian navy or key coastal cities, but also to secure maritime trade routes as an alternative to land routes that can be easily exposed and vulnerable to security risks (sanctions, terror attacks, wars, etc.). 

Second, the sea has economic importance to the Russian leadership. While Russia’s imports from Asia have grown since 2014, largely by sea, the Russian economy depends on the ability to exploit and export hydrocarbons and agricultural products by sea. Logistical and transport infrastructure is being built to support this. For this reason, Russia is developing its infrastructure in the North to facilitate the Northern Sea Route (NRS) and the Black Sea to export grain to the Middle East and North Africa. The linking of railways and highways to ports aiming to create a cross-continental bridge between seas and oceans is a prominent feature in speeches by senior Russian officials who are concerned about their country’s geo-economic interests. This is why when the Suez Canal was blocked (March 2021), Moscow seized the opportunity to emphasize the advantages that the NRS would bring to global trade. 

Third, geography and history mean there are a number of noteworthy specificities in the way Russia looks at the sea. Geography imposes significant challenges on the way Moscow determines strategy at sea, creating specific ambiguities in the heat of thinking about power at sea. While Russia is usually known as a continental (Eurasian) power, it also has the longest seaboard in the world. It is worth mentioning that within the Russian collective historical memory, it is always emphasized that most military defeats have been brought from the sea, such as the Crimean War (1854-1856) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). Hence, historically, Russia has been challenged by power projected from the sea; therefore, it prioritizes its ground forces. Meanwhile, the navy is a junior service and used as a deterrent force. 

Moreover, despite its long seaboard, as the book argues, Russia has few outlets for its own naval deployment. Its bases are separated by thousands of miles, and access to the seas and oceans is only possible through narrow exits and choke points. This is what drives the Russian navy’s division into four fleets and a flotilla and automatically puts it at a serious disadvantage compared to other major powers, since it generates logistical problems and difficulties in reinforcement. 

Hence, Russia’s strategy at sea illuminates a key feature of contemporary national power and long-term trajectory of growth, and, within this, Moscow’s priorities and choices as well as the concepts that underpin its activities. Importantly, as the authors of the book mention, as Russia’s maritime economic interests grow, and with it the importance of the sea to its grand strategy, the need to guarantee sea lines communication and to bolster Russia’s military presence abroad will increase.  

All of Florida’s Homenetmen members and participants

As I was growing up, attending the Homenetmen Navasartian Games was an annual event, one my parents, aunt and uncles began years before I came along. The Homenetmen games was one of the first significant Armenian events I attended as a youngster. I was excited about this year’s games, because it’s the first year that the Florida chapter had a PeeWee soccer team participating. This meant that the PeeWee team members would be experiencing the Homenetmen games for the very first time. 

Florida PeeWee soccer team on day 2 after playing the New York B Team

For the first time in 13 years, the games were held in New Jersey. The Florida chapter brought over 30 members, with 27 athletes participating in various sports such as basketball, chess, track and soccer. 

Our PeeWee soccer team consisted of eight players: Gabriel Balaban, Arshak Boyajian, Adam Danielian, Ara Jamgochian, Joseph Kochkerian, Narine Tokatlian-Maltez, Nadya Yaghjian and Razmig Yaghjian. Before the Navasartian Games, the team met and practiced every week, and their efforts paid off on the fields! As a first-time team attending the games, they made it to the semi-finals against the New York chapter’s PeeWees.

Narine Tokatlian-Maltez and Ara Jamgotchian during the chess matches

Florida also had four senior men, including Souren Badikyan, Gor Badikyan, Karen Rezikyan and Vahe Boyajian, participate in soccer, joining the New York A team and making it to finals in second place against Boston. 

Meanwhile, in chess, Ara Jamgochian, Alec Samra, Sevag Tokatlian and Narine Tokatlian-Maltez participated, and Alec Samra and Ara Jamgochian were winners! 

In basketball, brothers Shant and Shiraz Bardakjian joined the Boston team, and Alec Samra and Khatchig Boyajian played on the Detroit team. 

Florida track winners

Finally, in track, Florida had multiple athletes participate in various races. The PeeWee group results included Arshak Boyajian winning the gold in the 100 meters, Nadya Yaghjian racing to a gold in the 800 meters, Jasmin Kochkerian running for a silver, and Narine Tokatlian-Maltez and Razmig Yaghjian each winning bronze medals in the 200 meters. As the senior track participant, I won gold in the 100, 200, 400 and 800-meter races. Running the 800-meter, Florida veterans Raffi Yaghjian and Sevag Tokatlian won gold and bronze, respectively. 

At the end of the games, the Florida chapter came in fifth place overall and was awarded “Most Improved Chapter” this year. There was an overwhelming amount of love and excitement over the weekend for everyone who attended. The Florida chapter has high hopes for next year to come back even stronger. 

After the weekend’s events, I asked the Florida PeeWee athletes for their impressions.

Victory night with our trophy for most improved chapter and plaque for 5th place overall

What was your favorite part of the weekend? 

Nadya Yaghjian: “The victory barahantes.”
Razmig Yaghjian: “Whenever my team won a game.”
Gabriel Balaban: “The soccer games.”

What do you look forward to next year? 

Adam Danielian: “Bouncing back to win it all!”
Narine Tokatlian-Maltez: “Improving our team and hopefully making it to finals.”
Razmig Yaghjian: “Looking forward to seeing all my friends again and winning the soccer cup in Providence.”

What is something that happened that you weren’t expecting over the weekend? 

Gabriel Balaban: “Going to one of the largest malls in the U.S.”
Adam Danielian: “Losing the semi-finals in the last few minutes of the game.”
Nadya Yaghjian: “Getting first place in track.”

ANCA Summer Interns at the U.S. Senate after reaching out to 100 Senate offices

WASHINGTON D.C.—Summer 2023 brought a bright set of Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Leo Sarkisian Internship (LSI), Maral Melkonian Fellowship and Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program interns to the heart of the nation’s capital for an intensive advocacy campaign to stop an Artsakh genocide and protect Armenia’s sovereignty. For six weeks, twelve interns from across the U.S. and Canada marched on Capitol Hill to ensure pro-Armenian advocacy remains at the forefront of American policy issues.

California Senator Alex Padilla and ANCA Summer Interns discuss the bipartisan legislation he introduced with Florida Senator Marco Rubio condemning Azerbaijan’s Artsakh blockade.

During their first week, the ANCA summer team dove right into congressional education efforts, encouraging members to cosign the letter, led by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), calling on Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, to stop all military aid to Azerbaijan’s Aliyev regime and send vital humanitarian assistance to Artsakh. In the span of three days, the team visited 535 offices – 435 House and 100 Senate – defending the rights of the Artsakh people through the halls of Congress. With the support of the ANCA and the LSI team, 54 cosponsors joined the letter.

In the second week, the team headed to Congress for the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Hearing, a landmark event spotlighting Azerbaijan’s escalating aggression against the indigenous Armenian Christians of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), calling for sanctions against the Azerbaijani government in the face of a second Armenian Genocide taking place in the region.

With House and Senate consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act looming, the remaining weeks were focused on meeting with congressional offices and conducting drop offs in an effort to encourage members to sponsor and cosponsor amendments that support Artsakh freedom and Armenian security. These experiences offered interns an inside look at the steps required to push forth pro-Armenian legislation, whether details in drafting an amendment or approaches utilized to speak with a congressional staff member.

Throughout their internship, the interns had the opportunity to meet with policy experts from an array of fields. ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian and programs director Alex Galitsky, the first two speakers in this series, shared their wisdom regarding the foundations of Armenian advocacy and the role of the ANCA in bolstering the security of Armenia and Artsakh and preventing aid from reaching dictatorships—Turkey and Azerbaijan—who threaten the Armenian people with genocide and ethnic cleansing.

Having won the Congressional Art Competition, Vermont native Shakeh Hagopian visited the ANCA team and LSI interns to speak about her 3D art painting which centered around Artsakh and Armenian identity; her painting will be hung in Congress for one year.

Republic of Artsakh Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan discusses the challenges and opportunities to advance pro-Artsakh policies in Congress and the administration.

In the pursuit of exploring different career paths, the interns headed to Deloitte and met with Tadeh Issahakian, Sevan Mehrabian and Sipan Ohanessian, who spoke about the dynamic nature of consulting and learning to harness learned skills towards benefiting the Armenian homeland. Three individuals with much political experience, Maryland State Representative Lorig Charkoudian, Dr. Jirayr Ratevossian and Professor Gregory Aftandilian, spoke to the interns about their experiences as Armenians working on the local, state and federal levels, stressing the importance of having Armenians pushing forth the Armenian cause within government. Similarly, Sam Tadevosyan, director of government relations at McDonald’s Corporation, shed light on the opportunities that led him to lobbying. Charlie Mahtesian, POLITICO’s senior editor, shared the importance of being “the Armenian in the room,” especially in the world of journalism.

Artsakh Representative to the United States Robert Avetisyan discussed the dire situation in Artsakh, but shined light on the possibilities to better the current situation. Ambassador John Evans, who was the first government official to correctly name the Armenian Genocide, spoke about his experiences in the foreign service and time as ambassador.

Library of Congress Armenia and Georgia Area Specialist Dr. Khatchig Mouradian shares an early Armenian language Bible – one of thousands of Armenian items in the Library’s collection.

Armenian Legal Center founding executive director Kate Nahapetian reviewed international laws in relation to Armenia and discussed the legal aspects of Artsakh’s international recognition efforts. Library of Congress Armenian and Georgian area specialist Dr. Khatchig Mouradian shared his experience as a Library of Congress employee and showcased Armenian manuscripts dating to the 14th century. ARF Eastern Region Central Committee member George Aghjayan hosted a seminar on Armenian genealogy in Western Armenia, shedding light on his journey in finding his family through connections made in the Armenian homeland. Shant Nahapetian, former Capital Gateway Program (CGP) fellow, shined light on the clarity he gained in finding his future career path through his experiences in Washington D.C.

ANCA chairman emeritus Garo Armenian challenged the next generation of Armenian advocates to explore tangible ways to transform the situation in the Armenian homeland amid ever-changing regional dynamics

ARF Eastern US Central Committee member George Aghjayan led interns into a fascinating foray into Armenian genealogy.

The Leo Sarkisian Internship program — named after the late ANCA Eastern U.S. community leader and Hai Tahd advocate — empowers dedicated Armenians in their efforts to achieve justice for the Armenian Genocide, freedom for Artsakh, and a secure and prosperous Armenian homeland. The LSI was established in 1986 and now has hundreds of alumni spread across the world. For the fifth year, the LSI is running concurrently with the Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellowship, named in memory of the devoted youth advocate who dedicated her life to helping the Armenian homeland. Joining them are participants of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Internship, honoring the memory of the proud youth advocate for a prosperous Armenian homeland.

ANCA summer interns are selected through a competitive application process with acceptance based on academic excellence and demonstrated capacity for community leadership. While in Washington D.C., summer interns stay at the Aramian House, an eight-bedroom former bed and breakfast located in Washington D.C.’s historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, just a short walk from the ANCA headquarters. The Aramian House was established through a generous donation by sisters Sue, the late Margo, and the late Martha Aramian, generous benefactors of ANCA programs and projects in the Armenian homeland and diaspora.

The 2023 ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns are Olivia Abajian, Greg Akopyan, Tsoline Gevorkian, Sofia Kirchen, Emma Lopez, Sophia Papazian, Tara Ourfalian, Nver Saghatelyan, Artur Shekyan and Ruby Topalian. Joining them are ANCA Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Summer Fellow Areni Hamparian and Capital Gateway Program intern Vahagn Boudakian.

Meet the 2023 ANCA Summer Interns:

Olivia Abajian

Olivia Abajian is studying at the University of Maryland as a government and politics major with a concentration in international relations. On campus, she is the rising editor-in-chief of the Terrapin Yearbook, a member of UMD’s Armenian Students Association, and a member of Phi Sigma Sigma. Olivia is currently a member of the AYF-YOARF “Hyortik” chapter.

“I took part in the Leo Sarkisian Internship program to gain hands-on experience in our political system and to explore possible careers in our nation’s capital. This internship has given me the experience of a lifetime, as I have been able to work to enact the change I wish to see for Armenia and Artsakh through the United States government system. After these six weeks, I feel much more educated on Armenian-American politics and accomplished to know I spent my summer doing my part to fight for our homeland.”

Greg Akopyan

Greg Akopyan is a rising junior at the American University of Armenia majoring in politics and governance and minoring in environmental studies. Since arriving at AUA, Greg has taken an active role in the community, becoming a peer mentor and student council member.

“The skills and knowledge I have gained from the LSI internship have been vital to help me understand the opportunities for my future in Washington D.C. I hope to pursue a degree in law after graduating and use that to advance Hai Tahd and build a safe, democratic and prosperous Armenia. I want to help the next generation of Armenian-Americans get involved with politics and advocacy to ensure our community has a powerful voice in the U.S.”

Vahagn Boudakian

Vahagn Boudakian is pursuing a major in political science with a minor in psychology at Brooklyn College CUNY. In addition to his studies, he attended the American University of Armenia and actively engaged with organizations focused on assisting Armenian refugees and contributing to the 2020 war effort.

“These experiences provided me with firsthand exposure to the multitude of challenges that Armenia faces in terms of security and development. At the forefront of Armenia’s fight for survival lies the crucial issue of preserving Artsakh. I’m excited about the prospect of leveraging the knowledge I acquire from this internship to make meaningful contributions to my local ANCA chapter. By actively participating, I hope to effectively employ my newfound expertise in furthering the cause of Armenia’s progress.”

Tsoline Gevorkian

Tsoline Gevorkian is a rising junior at the University of Vermont, currently studying psychology and sociology. She grew up an active member of the AYF and has always been a passionate advocate for the Armenian cause. She currently serves as the treasurer of the Middlesex County West AYF chapter.

“After this internship, my newfound knowledge of American politics will broaden my ability to spread this knowledge to others. I now feel more capable and confident in hosting more efficient conversations and educationals regarding our current Armenian issues and am proud that I was able to spend my summer fighting for our brothers and sisters in Artsakh, and for an azad angakh miatsyal Haiastan.”

Areni Hamparian

Areni Hamparian is a rising senior at the University of California, San Diego, majoring in political science and minoring in history. She is a member of the AYF “Nigol Touman” chapter and serves on the Hai Tahd, Haytoug Magazine, Artsakh Task Force and With Our Soldiers Central Councils.

“The ANCA internship has offered me a clearer understanding of the nation’s political system as well as further clarity at the nuances that exist in the complex web of interests housed in this city. I will surely utilize all I have learned with the intention of strengthening my local community and the Armenian nation. By galvanizing the strength of our community worldwide, through organizations like the ANCA, I believe the Armenian nation has the ability to pave a brighter future for generations to come.”

Sofia Kirchen

Sofia Kirchen is a rising second year at the University of California Berkeley studying international relations and Middle Eastern languages and cultures, with a focus on peace and conflict studies.

“I am super passionate about the role that grassroots activism plays in combating democratic backsliding around the world. I have spent my time on Capitol Hill as a Leo Sarkisian intern leveraging both my previous political campaign experience and everything that I have learned during my time in a meaningful way that furthers the Armenian cause here on Capitol Hill, specifically around the development of legislation.”

Emma Lopez

Emma Lopez recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in political science. This past year at Amherst, I was the vice president and secretary/social media manager of our Armenian Students Association. I’m also a member of the ACYOA at my home parish, St. George Armenian Church, and regularly volunteer.

“The LSI program gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I’ve learned at university and actually have an impact on different policies, especially those that prioritize pro-Armenia and Artsakh legislation. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the elected officials you visited sign onto a resolution or letter that you came to inform them about. I’m so grateful to have had to opportunity to work with the ANCA these past six weeks, and I look forward to passing on the knowledge and experiences I’ve had to continue to have a positive impact on our community.”

Sophia Papazian

Sophia Papazian is a rising sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley studying political economy and minoring in public policy. She has a passion for serving the global community and is heavily involved in the ASUC Student Union, Global Research and Consulting, Cal’s Armenian Student Association, Cal’s Pi Beta Phi chapter and Homenetmen Hrashq.

“After having the opportunity to participate in the Rising Leaders Program in March, I knew that I wanted to come back for the Leo Sarkisian Internship. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to surround myself with students that share a common dedication in advocating for our Armenian community. Meeting various Armenian-American leaders and spending days on Capitol Hill pushing for legislation gave me a first-hand glimpse into how our government really runs. I’m honored and excited to be in the hub of the nation’s capital and strengthen my skills in leadership, civic engagement, and to continue to advocate for those in Artsakh and Armenia.”

Tara Ourfalian

Tara Ourfalian is a rising junior at UCLA studying environmental science with a concentration in environmental systems and society. For the past several years, she has been heavily involved in many Armenian community organizations, including the UCLA ASA and Hidden Road Initiative chapters, Homenetmen, Armenia Fund and the AYF.

“With the skill set and experiences I have gained as an LSI fellow, I hope to pursue a career in law while continuing to advance the ambitions of the Armenian cause and to create an environment for the Armenian youth to carry on this important birthright. Being in Washington D.C. has opened my eyes to the intricate workings of the American political system and unveiled so many new avenues of community involvement. My appreciation for the important work that the ANCA carries out has only continued to grow, because it is spaces like these that will ensure that the voices of our people are heard and addressed in a way that will bring forth necessary change.”

Nver Saghatelyan

Nver Saghatelyan is a student at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in international studies and economics.

“My aim is to leverage this education to challenge the status quo and contribute to peaceful resolutions in contrast to the ongoing tensions and violence. With every shell that was launched in Artsakh, my determination grew. My dreams did not seem too audacious in the face of this reality. This program explains the dynamics of American politics and equips young Armenian leaders with practical, hands-on experience, skills and knowledge, which will help us actively contribute to the development of Armenia and work towards the peaceful resolution of the Artsakh conflict.”

Artur Shekyan

Artur Shekyan is a rising junior at the University of Toronto, studying political science and economics. He is the vice-chair of the AYF Toronto “Simon Zavarian“ chapter.

“For every Armenian around the world, our main priority should be to see an independent and united Armenian homeland, and that is exactly why I am here.The skills I gained from this internship are going to help me grow the Armenian community back in Toronto and also encourage more Armenian-Canadians to speak up on our issues, gather their voices and apply change to our policies regarding Armenia and Artsakh.”

Ruby Topalian

Ruby Topalian is entering her second year at Trinity College Dublin as part of Columbia University’s dual BA program. She is studying Middle Eastern and European languages and cultures with a concentration on Arabic and Italian, and at Columbia, she will study political science.

“As an editor on multiple campus publications, I look forward to bringing these ideas back to college. I’m also happy to say that I have connected with my Armenian roots more over these past six weeks. When I start college again this year, I look forward to bringing what I’ve learned these past six weeks back to my college campus and working to ensure that my peers not only know about our issues, but want to fight for them as well.”

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, European Council President Charles Michel and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (European Council)

Russian authorities have expressed their readiness to collaborate with international efforts to ensure the rights and security of the Armenians of Artsakh, in their latest disagreement with the government of Azerbaijan.

“The Russian Federation has always treated the territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan with respect,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko insisted during a July 17 meeting with Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Russia, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. “At the same time, this does not cancel the task of comprehensively promoting the process of Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization, resolving all issues on the agenda, including ensuring the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, exclusively by peaceful political and diplomatic methods.”

Rudenko’s statement is the latest in a back-and-forth between the Russian Foreign Ministry and its Azerbaijani counterpart regarding the unblocking of the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor. On July 15, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia released an unambiguous statement urging Azerbaijan to open the Berdzor Corridor and restore Artsakh’s gas and electricity supply. 

“It is a matter of concern that today the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh is developing according to a negative scenario. The humanitarian crisis in the area is deepening,” the statement reads. “This may entail the most dramatic consequences for the Karabakh Armenians, or ordinary residents of the region.”

Azerbaijan has placed Artsakh under blockade since December 2022, leading to critical shortages of food and medical supplies. Azerbaijan has also periodically disrupted Artsakh’s access to natural gas and electricity, which are supplied by Armenia through lines that cut across Azerbaijani-controlled territory. Since June 15, Azerbaijan has also blocked the International Committee of the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers from traveling along the Berdzor Corridor to deliver humanitarian supplies and transfer medical patients to Armenia for treatment. 

Government-sponsored Azerbaijani protesters posing as eco-activists had closed the Berdzor Corridor from December 12, 2022 to April 23, 2023. They ended their protest after Azerbaijan set up a military checkpoint at the entrance to the corridor from Armenia, placing movement along the corridor completely under the control of Azerbaijani border guards. 

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry criticized the statement from its Russian counterpart. It defended the border checkpoint as a measure to “prevent illegal activities and to ensure transparency.” The Foreign Ministry accused Russia of failing to prevent “illegal activities,” including the transportation of military equipment and landmines from Armenia to Artsakh. It also claimed that the Artsakh Defense Army is “supported under the supervision of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.” 

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko called the statement from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister “incorrect.”

Azerbaijani leaders have repeatedly accused Armenia of transferring weapons to Artsakh, in order to justify the blockade of the Berdzor Corridor. They have not provided evidence for this claim. On February 22, the International Court of Justice rejected a request from Azerbaijan for provisional measures ordering Armenia to stop using the Berdzor Corridor for this purpose, citing insufficient evidence. 

The July 15 statement from Russia’s Foreign Minister also asserts Russia’s readiness to collaborate with international efforts to settle the Artsakh conflict. 

“The Russian side confirms its intention to actively contribute to the efforts of the international community to restore the normal life of Nagorno-Karabakh,” the statement reads. 

While Russia has been preoccupied by its war in Ukraine, Western actors, namely the United States and the EU, have emerged as key mediators in the Artsakh conflict and Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process. Russia has accused the West of attempting to seize Russia’s traditional position as the primary mediator in the South Caucasus. However, in the July 15 statement, Russian authorities signaled closer alignment with the West in the negotiation process.

On the same day that the Russian Foreign Minister released its statement, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and European Council President Charles Michel held their sixth trilateral meeting in Brussels. Michel did not report progress toward a peace treaty after the meeting.

“We are going through one of the most comprehensive and vigorous stages of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Michel said. “And even though our meeting took place in the context of a worrying increase in tensions on the ground, I noted important momentum in the political discussions and efforts.”

Michel “emphasized the need to open the Lachin road” during the meeting, according to a readout from the EU. He also “noted Azerbaijan’s willingness to provide humanitarian supplies via Aghdam.” “I see both options as important and encourage humanitarian deliveries from both sides to ensure the needs of the population are met,” Michel said. 

Azerbaijani leaders have recently proposed delivering humanitarian supplies to Artsakh from Azerbaijan through the Aghdam-Stepanakert road, rather than from Armenia through the Berdzor Corridor. 

Yerevan-based political analyst Tigran Grigoryan criticized this option, calling it “Azerbaijan’s blackmail” to justify the continued blockade of the Berdzor Corridor. 

“So, they have now legitimized Azerbaijan’s blackmail by agreeing that providing supplies from Aghdam to NK is a workable option. Kudos to Michel and Pashinyan for giving Baku another excuse not to unblock the corridor,” Grigoryan tweeted. 

Some residents of Askeran, a town in Artsakh near Aghdam, have reportedly decided to install barriers along the Aghdam-Askeran highway, “in order to counter the so-called humanitarian aid to the Artsakh/Karabakh Armenians predetermined by the Azerbaijani authorities.”  

Before the trilateral meeting, Pashinyan hand-delivered a letter written by Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan to Michel, appealing to the international community to prevent a humanitarian and security disaster in Artsakh. On July 17, Harutyunyan announced that he is taking the “extreme measure” to join an indefinite sit-in protest in Artsakh’s capital Stepanakert to draw international attention to the blockade. 

“If the plight of the people of Artsakh does not return within a week to a more or less stable and normal state with international intervention, then we will resort to tougher actions both in Artsakh and outside of it,” Harutyunyan said.

The ANC of Albany leads the charge in support of Artsakh and secures the third friendship city in the Eastern Region between Troy, New York and Martakert, Republic of Artsakh.

TROY, N.Y.—The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Albany secured a Friendship City between Troy, New York, and the village of Martakert, Republic of Artsakh earlier this month. ANC of Albany co-chair Antranig Karageozian thanked the City Council and Mayor of Troy at the City Council meeting where the resolution was voted upon. The establishment of a Friendship City between Troy and Martakert comes on the heels of the 220th day of the genocidal blockade that Azerbaijan has imposed upon Artsakh.

Welcomed for its importance in creating awareness about Martakert and the ongoing genocide of the Armenian nation, the resolution allows for both cities to exchange cultural ideas and concepts, including the establishment of economic and social ties.

Troy is home to a multigenerational Armenian-American community who first established roots in the capital of New York in the late 19th century during the Hamidian massacres, during which hundreds of Armenian refugees chose Troy as their new home. Several churches and cultural organizations soon established in the region, creating a new “little Armenia.” Despite being displaced from their ancestral homeland, the Armenians of Troy maintain traditions from the Old Country, such as traditional “Madagh” community dinners and other events. Armenians have been part of the political scene in Troy, as well; for several years, Armenian-American Harry Tutunjian served as mayor.

The village of Martakert is home to a population of 5,000 and is surrounded by several smaller villages. The local economy and social landscape is diverse, boasting more than 80 commercial enterprises, several schools and libraries, as well as various cultural institutions. Martakert is an integral part of the Armenian highlands and has had an Armenian presence since at least the 1st century BCE. Martakert and the encompassing areas possess both a natural and material richness, containing several millennia-old sites, such as pre-Christian tombs, a church constructed in the 13th century, several ancient cemeteries and a nearby medieval village. During the first Artsakh War, just 30 years ago, Martakert was left in utter ruins after a brief Azerbaijani occupation. Recent escalations as well as the recent 2020 war have led to new complexities, leaving the future of the region uncertain.

“We know the importance of strengthening ties and relationships on the federal and state level but are as diligent in our efforts on the local level. Thank you to Troy Mayor Patrick Madden and Troy City Council chair Carmella Montello for their support in the establishment of this Friendship City. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our compatriots in Artsakh and wanted them to know that though they are faced with the unthinkable – genocide – they are not alone. We encourage all of our fellow ANCs to pursue this same agenda of establishing Friendship Cities and informing the American people – on the federal, state and local level – on the active genocide happening in Artsakh as we speak,” said Karageozian.

Friendship Cities with Artsakh have been established throughout the Eastern Region between Granite City, Illinois and Ashan, Republic of Artsakh; Cranston, Rhode Island, and Stepanakert, Republic of Artsakh; and now Troy, New York and Martakert, Republic of Artsakh, this year.