Politics

Shifting trajectory: Is Armenia coming out of Russia’s orbit?

Matthew Day

14.02.2026, 12:08

JD Vance shakes hands with Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia’s prime minister, during his ground-breaking visit. — JD Vance shakes hands with Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia’s prime minister, during his ground-breaking visit. Photo by Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty Images

Deals announced on a visit by JD Vance appeared to ram home the reality of waning Russian influence.