Armenia prepares for an election that could reshape ties with Moscow and the West

Armenia's parliamentary elections could determine its geopolitical alignment between Russia and the West. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's push for closer EU and US ties contrasts with opposition parties advocating pro-Russia policies. Relations with Russia deteriorated after Azerbaijan's 2023 control of Karabakh, prompting Armenia to distance itself from Moscow through actions like joining the International Criminal Court and suspending participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization.