In the shadow of historical cathedrals and the vibrant life of Yerevan, a significant announcement was made that could potentially shift the balance of power in the region. The French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, stood firmly on Armenian soil, promising not just words of support but tangible military assistance. This gesture of solidarity comes at a crucial time for Armenia, a nation striving to fortify its defense capabilities amidst ongoing regional tensions.

During a press conference that caught the attention of international observers, Lecornu outlined France's commitment to Armenia's security needs. The focal point of his discourse was the provision of defense equipment, including sophisticated air defense systems and missiles of varying ranges. "Armenia's right to defend its population and borders is a priority for France," Lecornu stated, emphasizing the strategic nature of the military cooperation between the two nations. According to reports, this includes the delivery of three Thalès Ground Master (GM 200) radars, capable of detecting threats up to 250 kilometers away, alongside night vision devices and other critical equipment.

However, France's support for Armenia extends beyond mere equipment; it encompasses a comprehensive approach to bolstering Armenia's defense capabilities. Lecornu highlighted the importance of personnel training, indicating that French military experts would conduct mountain combat training courses for Armenian troops. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Armenia's armed forces, ensuring they are prepared to meet contemporary challenges with resilience and expertise. Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan echoed this sentiment, lauding the multifaceted nature of the Franco-Armenian military cooperation, which includes defense reforms, military education, and the modernization of defense measures.

The bolstering of Armenia's defense capabilities through French assistance raises questions about the potential impact on regional stability. While the move is poised to enhance Armenia's security, it also underscores the intricate web of alliances and enmities that define geopolitics in the area. Lecornu's visit and the subsequent military support signify a deepening of ties between France and Armenia, but it also sends a message to neighboring countries about France's willingness to support its allies. The strategic implications of this enhanced military cooperation are yet to unfold, but the gesture itself is a clear indication of France's stance on supporting nations in their quest to safeguard their sovereignty and protect their citizens.

The story of France's commitment to Armenia's defense capabilities is one of international solidarity, strategic interests, and the complexities of regional politics. As Armenia receives these much-needed military enhancements, the eyes of the world will be watching, waiting to see how this partnership evolves and what it means for the future of peace and stability in the region.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/strengthening-ties-and-defenses-france-commits-to-bolstering-armenias-military-capabilities

President Volodymyr Zelensky may visit Armenia in “the near future,” as relations between Kyiv and Yerevan warm up, the Armenian news outlet FactorTV reported on Feb. 23.

Preparations for the visit are currently underway, but the exact date has not yet been confirmed, the outlet reported, citing its sources.

Ukraine's charge d'affaires in Armenia Valeri Lobach neither confirmed nor denied plans for a visit were in the works in response to FactorTV, instead hinting that Zelensky is preparing to come to Yerevan, Armenia’s capital.

"I can only say that spring will bring many positive events to Armenia,” Lobach told the outlet.

Once a long time-ally of Russia, especially vis-a-vis its primary regional foe Azerbaijan, Armenia has largely refrained from getting involved in Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

The calculus changed after Russian "peacekeepers" failed to prevent Azerbaijan's offensive into the Nagorno-Karabakh region, primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, in September 2023.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Feb. 1 that Armenia's defense strategy cannot rely on Russia as it used to, and that Yerevan needed to more closely examine its security relations with the U.S., France, India, and other countries.

Lobach also told FactorTV that “Ukraine is ready to support Armenia,” and “will do everything for the regulation and stabilization of the region."

Zelensky met Pashinyan for the first time in October 2023 during his visit to Spain for the European Political Community Summit in Granada. The two discussed the security situation in the South Caucasus, bilateral cooperation, and interregional economic projects, Zelensky said at the time.

Armenia delivered its first batch of humanitarian aid to Ukraine in September of last year. Later in February 2024, representatives of the Union of Armenians of Ukraine and the Armenian Embassy in Ukraine delivered 10 tons of medical equipment to one of Ukraine's main military hospitals.

Armenia is ideally positioned to offer India an alternative sea trade route, especially with Europe, Narek Mkrtchyan, the country's minister for Labor and Social Affairs, said on the sidelines of the ninth edition of the Raisina Dialogue in the national capital on Wednesday.

"The Armenian government is committed to forming partnerships in major regional and global projects like the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Gulf Black Sea transport, and the transit corridor and the Chabahar port development, which is a collaborative effort between India and Iran," the minister told ANI on the sidelines of the event.

The Raisina Dialogue is India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community.

Further expanding on the country's offer of an alternative route for commerce, the Armenian minister said it was 'significant' at a time when many nations, including India, are looking for alternative sea routes to trade with Europe and the West, given the spate of attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea.

The Houthi attacks on commercial vessels on Red Sea trade routes started in mid-November, with the group linking the disruptions to its demand for an end to Israel's offensive in Gaza and the delivery of aid to Palestinians 'under siege'.

"Armenia holds a strategic position to propose to India an alternative sea trade route, particularly with Europe," Mkrtchyan said.

He also stressed Armenia's commitment to partnerships in significant regional and global projects, including the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Gulf Black Sea transport, the transit corridor, and the collaborative development of the Chabahar port with India and Iran.

This proposal is significant amid the growing interest in alternative sea routes due to security concerns in traditional routes like those on the Red Sea.

The minister also pitched a collaboration with India on Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a global coalition where ministers of the two countries can consult and trigger investments for AI.

"There is a potential to collaborate on AI for social good to address sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation planning. We could also potentially establish a global AI innovation platform to facilitate the sharing of Solutions and Research," he added.

Bilateral dialogue between India and Armenia is conducted through the mechanisms of Foreign Office Consultations and Inter-Governmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific and technological, Cultural and Educational Cooperation, and periodic high-level interactions, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in an official release earlier.

The ninth edition of Raisina Dialogue began on Wednesday and is scheduled to conclude on February 23. The event is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a think tank.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the chief guest and keynote speaker at the 9th Raisina Dialogue.

Ministers, National Security Advisors, senior officials and representatives of industry, technology, finance and other sectors from more than 100 nations are participating in the event this year.

Armenia has reportedly withdrawn from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told France 24 in an interview.

“In our opinion, the agreement on collective security in relation to Armenia was not implemented, especially in 2021-2022, and this can not go unnoticed. We are freezing our participation in this agreement. Let’s see what happens next,” he said.

Armenia has repeatedly accused the CSTO and Moscow of failing to fulfill their obligations. Thus, in January, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said that the republic “has no expectations” from the Collective Security Treaty Organization since it did not receive adequate support in September 2022 at the time of “large-scale conflict.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refused to participate in the CSTO summit in Minsk on November 23.

The CSTO includes six states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, speaking about the prospects for Armenia’s participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, said that Moscow will continue dialogue with Armenian friends, including the CSTO.

Meanwhile, Armenia has almost doubled its defense acquisitions over the last year. In 2022, the spending was around $700 million to US$800 million, which has now risen to $1.5 billion.

Disappointed by Moscow, Armenia has sought to diversify its defense imports and find new partners after Russia failed to provide the country with ordered weapons worth around US$400 million. The failed arms deal was an additional catalyst in the deteriorating Russia-Armenia ties.

India and France have emerged as key partners of Armenia,

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, during her visit to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, on October 3, said: “France has given its consent to sign a future contract with Armenia, which will enable the provision of military equipment to Armenia so that Armenia can ensure its defense, it is clear that I cannot elaborate on this issue for now.”

As part of bolstering military ties between the two countries, parliamentarians in France announced sending 50 Bastion armored personnel carriers to Armenia. Although no delivery has been confirmed, the Armenian news site Armenpress reported earlier this week that France had already delivered 24 Bastion armored vehicles.

In one of the deals signed between France and Armenia, the latter is expected to acquire three air defense radar systems from Thales, a French defense company. The two sides also signed a “letter of intent” on the future delivery of Mistral short-range surface-to-air missiles.

Enhanced PINAKA rocket, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, in Odisha on November 04, 2020.

A report published in local French media also indicated that France could supply 50 VAB MK3 armored vehicles manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense. It provides armed forces with high-level protection and multi-mission capabilities.

Meanwhile, in 2022, India inked the deal to supply PINAKA multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), anti-tank munitions, and ammunition worth US $250 million to Armenia; it was seen as New Delhi taking a position in the conflict. It was India’s first export of Pinaka.

As previously reported by EurAsian Times, Armenia also contracted to buy India-developed Zen Anti-Drone System (ZADS), which is a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS). Armenia is also acquiring Indian Akash surface-to-air missiles, which the Indian army has also inducted to defend its key installations.

On February 18, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during a meeting with the Armenian diaspora in Munich that Yerevan does not consider itself an ally of Moscow regarding Ukraine. He expressed regret about the inability to influence the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The head of the government of Armenia, a country that became the fourth-largest exporter of semiconductors and other dual-use goods for military purposes to Russia after 2022, referred to the Ukrainian people as "friendly" in his address.

Yerevan has strategically mapped a shift towards the West, while effectively becoming a crucial logistics centre for the Kremlin to circumvent sanctions during the two-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In 2022, the small nation of Armenia, boasting a population of 3 million, experienced an unparalleled economic growth of 14.2%. The British newspaper The Telegraph commented on this remarkable development as follows: “But the most absurd is Armenia, whose 13% economic expansion in only 12 months makes it a candidate for third-fastest growing economy in the world.”

As Deputy Minister of Finance of Armenia Vaan Sirunyan acknowledged on November 27, 2023, the export of goods from Armenia to the Russian Federation increased by 85% in the first 9 months of 2023, with 80% of this increase attributed to re-export. The Jamestown Foundation (USA) analytical centre noted that Armenia's foreign trade turnover grew by 69% after the start of the war in Ukraine, attributing this growth to re-exports from Armenia to Russia. According to a report from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, new supply chains were quickly established through Armenia in response to sanctions, with subsequent expansion taking several months. A collaborative statement by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Treasury categorizes Armenia as a hub for third-party intermediaries or transshipment points used to circumvent sanctions and export controls related to Russia and Belarus.

In 2024, despite the public disclosure of Armenia violating sanctions against Russia, the country continues to supply Russia with sanctioned goods without a hiccup. Furthermore, according to the data published on February 17 by Robin Brooks, the director of the Institute of International Finance and a former strategist at Goldman Sachs, "Armenia's exports to Russia have increased by 430% compared to the period before the invasion, indicating the re-export of goods from the EU and China to Russia."

In December 2023 Brooks, who follows this topic closely, was asking “What is Brussels doing?” about EU exports to Armenia increasing by 200% since the invasion. The issue of Armenian re-export has not only attracted the attention of politicians, think tanks and prominent economists but it has also been covered in the international media over the past two years. Here are some examples:-

On 31.03.22 Canadian Geopolitical Monitor noted: “Armenia is the best-placed member of the EAEU countries to help Russia break sanctions.”

On 25.03.23 a major Ukrainian news site Unian reported: "Armenia is becoming an economic rear for the Russians, solving Moscow's problems with the supply of sanctioned goods and weapons to the Russian market."

On 27.03.23 The Bulgarian publication Fakti stated: "Putin's authoritarian regime bypasses the embargoes and trade sanctions imposed by the EU, the USA, and Britain through neighbouring countries… especially Armenia."

On 14.05.23 The Washington Post noted: “The West could turn up the heat on Armenia, from which the re-export to Russia of a range of critical goods, including electronics, has spiked.”

On 12.12.23 Swiss French-language newspaper L'Agefi: "Armenia is directly involved in the re-export of sanctioned goods to Russia."

On 14.12.23 Israeli English-language channel I24: "Armenia is a major hub for supplying goods to the Russian Federation, bypassing Western sanctions, and serving as a base for the military-technical supply of Russian troops."

Armenia holds significant importance for Russia as a crucial transit hub due to the diminishing reliance on other countries for re-exporting sanctioned goods. In May 2023, the French edition of Forbes labelled Armenia as the "primary conduit for evading sanctions" due to the tightening restrictions on deliveries through Turkey and Central Asia. This development emerged after Ankara assured the United States in the summer of 2022 that it would not permit the circumvention of sanctions against Russia on Turkish soil. Consequently, Turkish financial institutions began terminating their collaborations with Russian entities on a large scale. By February 2024, the newspaper "Vedomosti" highlighted that the closure of accounts for Russian companies by Turkish banks, initiated in 2022, significantly escalated.

Central Asian nations faced mounting pressure from the US and the EU to enforce sanctions against Russia following the Ukrainian invasion. Companies in the region ignoring these restrictions found themselves blacklisted by the US. Determined to assess compliance, EU Special Envoy David O'Sullivan embarked on three Central Asian visits in 2023. During his final visit in November, he expressed gratitude for the region's efforts to curb re-exports to Russia. This followed a pledge made by the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan at a Luxembourg meeting with EU representatives on October 23. They committed to assist in thwarting Russia's attempts to bypass the sanctions.

Despite the coverage of the problem of the re-export of sanctioned goods from Armenia to Russia in the world media, the international community fails to act and Armenia gets away with it.

The Croatian publication Net noted back in May 2023 that the US and the EU, while supplying Ukraine with millions of dollars worth of weapons for the war with Russia, for unknown reasons turned a blind eye to the close partnership between Yerevan and the Kremlin. The French edition of  Forbes echoes this sentiment: "If the Western community really wants a quick victory for Ukraine, it must deprive Moscow of this logistical hub as soon as possible." In this regard, the American Jamestown Foundation reported that "no comprehensive investigation" has yet been launched into Putin's logistical hub in Armenia. In April 2023, the British newspaper The Telegraph already called on the West to "toughen relations" with the Kremlin's satellites: "Armenia has no special excuses when it allows itself to act as a transit point (for Russia)."

Rather than imposing limitations on the collaboration between Armenia and Russia, which goes against the interests of Washington and Brussels, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) declared on February 17 that it would provide $15 million to Yerevan. Interestingly, the USAID announcement highlights that these funds are intended to "diminish Armenia's economic reliance on Russia."