Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the country must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia "every day," explaining this by the need to maintain military superiority even after the initialing of a peace agreement between the two countries. He outlined his position on October 2 at the 8th Congress of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in Baku.
The number of Russian citizens entering Armenia is declining. Experts attribute this to a sharp deterioration in political relations between countries. If in the first two months of 2023 more than 207 thousand Russians entered Armenia, then this year there were about them. 171 thousand, which is 17% less.
It is unrealistic for Armenia to completely become part of the West, so a gradual severance of relations with the Russian Federation is preferable for it. This was stated by Matthew Orr, an analyst at the American private intelligence and analytical company Stratfor.
Previously, Armenia suspended participation in the pro-Russian military-political bloc CSTO. In addition, it was announced that Russian border guards would leave the country. Yerevan has practically cut off the supply of Russian weapons, preferring Indian and French products. Prime Minister Pashinyan also stated the country’s desire to become a candidate for EU membership.
Moscow has repeatedly criticized Armenia's changed position, demanding explanations from it.