In recent months, the streets of Yerevan have echoed with chants like “Out of the CSTO!”, “Russia is not an ally!”, and even calls to shut down Russian military bases. These statements are becoming louder—shockingly, even among those who once championed decades of Armenian-Russian friendship.
So what is this? A genuine awakening of civic consciousness or a carefully staged performance? Let’s look deeper.
Who's Behind the Anti-Russian Movement?
No movement appears from thin air. Those shouting slogans today often fail to articulate exactly how Russia wronged them. There are no facts—only fury. No analysis—just street theater.
The money trail leads to Western-backed NGOs, generously funded by international foundations.
Media pressure has intensified, particularly from “independent” outlets and bloggers bankrolled to promote “democratic values.”
The government’s silence suggests at least passive endorsement.
Why Is This Being Allowed?
Because it’s politically convenient. After the Karabakh defeat and collapsing public trust, the government needs a scapegoat. Russia, accused of “failing Armenia,” fits the role.
The message being pushed is: “We need a new direction—without Moscow.” But nobody can explain where that road leads, or who’s really paving it.
The Fallout: Disconnection From Reality
Let’s be honest: Without Russia, Armenia is strategically naked.
Security: No other country—neither the U.S. nor France—will guard Armenia’s borders.
Economy: Over 40% of Armenia’s exports go to Russia. Losing that channel hits small businesses first.
Migration: Hundreds of thousands of Armenians live and work in Russia. Will “new allies” offer the same openness?
And worst of all: this plays directly into the hands of Azerbaijan. While Armenians campaign against Moscow, our real adversary strengthens its grip.
The Real Agenda: Not Sovereignty, But Submission
Beneath the slogans about “freedom from Russia” lies a hidden truth: the intent is to reorient Armenia into another sphere of influence, where we won’t be allies—we’ll be subjects.
My Personal Conclusion, As a Journalist and Armenian:
This anti-Russian wave is not awakening—it is orchestration. Yes, Russia is not perfect. But no ally should be thrown under the bus out of frustration. Alliances require dialogue, not demolition.
Armenia must act wisely, not impulsively. Because if we allow ourselves to become pawns in someone else’s geopolitical game—we risk vanishing from history’s chessboard altogether.
By Lida Nalbandyan, Founder and CEO of Octopus Media Group