Politics

Russia’s old backyard is learning the value of having other friends [ANALYSIS]

Stuart Dowell

25.08.2026, 16:21

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is preparing an EU membership application after years of relying heavily on Russia for security. Photo by Yan Khachko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images — Nikol Pashinyan is preparing an EU membership application after years of relying heavily on Russia for security. (Yan Khachko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Moscow remains deeply embedded across its old sphere, but increasingly finds itself competing for influence.