Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Yerevan on May 20–21, 2025—his first trip to Armenia in several years—amid a period of visible tension between Russia and Armenia. During the visit, Lavrov met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and President Vahagn Khachaturyan. The visit was overshadowed by Armenia’s frozen participation in the CSTO and public anger over Moscow’s passive response to Azerbaijan’s 2023 offensive in Garabagh.

Against this backdrop, Armenia has deepened ties with Western partners, especially France and the EU, prompting growing concern in Moscow. Lavrov’s itinerary included a stop at the Russia House (Rossotrudnichestvo) in Yerevan, which has held more than 550 cultural events in 2024. Plans are underway to expand this network with three more centers in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Ijevan, and Kapan—an attempt to reinforce Russia's soft power in Armenia.

At the joint press conference, Lavrov outlined Moscow’s approach:

Bilateral and regional frameworks: He underscored Russia’s commitment to deepening cooperation through the Eurasian Economic Union and the 3 3 platform,........

© AzerNews