Pro-Russian Mayor Takes Office in Gyumri, Signaling Shift in Moscow’s Strategy Toward Armenia

The inauguration of Vardan Ghukasyan as mayor of Gyumri has sparked concern among analysts after he delivered a fiery pro-Russian, anti-government speech and called for Armenia to join the Russia-Belarus Union State. With Russian military and consular officials in attendance, the event points to a possible shift in Moscow’s approach—focusing on building influence through regional power centers rather than the national government. Ghukasyan’s rhetoric and the Kremlin’s visible presence raise new questions about Armenia’s internal geopolitical balance and the resilience of its democratic institutions.

Видео Pro-Russian Mayor Takes Office in Gyumri, Signaling Shift in Moscow’s Strategy Toward Armenia канала TAMRAZIAN NEWS