Pashinyan Congratulates Ukraine’s New PM While in Russia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sent an official congratulatory message to Yulia Svyrydenko on her appointment as the new Prime Minister of Ukraine. The message came at an especially sensitive time—while Pashinyan himself was in Russia on a working visit.

In his message, Pashinyan emphasized Armenia’s interest in strengthening ties with Ukraine. “Armenia attaches great importance to the further expansion and deepening of relations with Ukraine,” he wrote. He also expressed hope that bilateral cooperation in trade, economic development, and humanitarian affairs would increase. “I am convinced that thanks to joint efforts, it is possible to ensure the realization of the potential of cooperation between Armenia and Ukraine,” the message read.

Pashinyan mentioned the role of a joint intergovernmental commission between Armenia and Ukraine, sharing his optimism that it could raise relations to “a qualitatively new level of mutually beneficial cooperation,” and help implement “promising programs.”

This public outreach to Ukraine—at the very moment of his visit to Russia—shows the increasingly complicated relationship between Armenia and its traditional ally, Russia.

Russia and Armenia have been formal allies for decades through military and economic agreements, most notably the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). However, Armenia’s growing frustrations with Moscow’s lack of support—particularly during and after the 2020 war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Azerbaijan's full occupation of Artsakh in 2023—have created visible tensions.

The Armenian government has openly criticized Russia for failing to uphold its security promises. When Azerbaijani forces advanced into Armenian territory or violated ceasefires, Moscow remained largely passive, despite its role as a supposed peacekeeper and ally. Armenia’s calls for help from the CSTO went unanswered.

These events pushed Pashinyan’s administration to reevaluate Armenia’s foreign policy direction. Yerevan has since taken steps to diversify its international partnerships, deepening ties with the European Union, the United States, France, and others.

Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia, is seen by many as a symbol of resistance to Russian influence. By publicly congratulating Ukraine’s new leader while on Russian soil, Pashinyan sends a subtle but clear signal about its government’s shifting geopolitical stance. It shows that Armenia is no longer afraid to pursue an independent foreign policy, even if it means upsetting Moscow.

Armenia is a small country surrounded by powerful and often hostile neighbors, including Azerbaijan and Turkey. Historically, it has relied on Russia for military protection. But the weakening of that security relationship has left Armenia vulnerable—and looking for new allies.

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