The economic relationship between Armenia and Russia is on an unprecedented upward trajectory, with trade volumes projected to hit $14 billion to $16 billion in 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin made this announcement during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Moscow, emphasizing the rapid expansion of bilateral trade and investment despite geopolitical pressures and external interference.

Putin remarked, “Our trade and economic relations are developing quite vigorously and successfully. Our trade last year reached $7.4 billion, and it grew 2.5-fold in the first half of this year to top $8.3 billion. If we keep moving at this pace, this means our trade this year might reach $14 billion to $16 billion, which would be a record figure.”

The robust trade growth between Armenia and Russia underscores the resilience of their partnership in the face of significant geopolitical challenges. The two leaders also discussed expanding their cooperation in education and humanitarian fields. Putin noted, “Certainly, the humanitarian cooperation aspect is very important, and we’ll have a more detailed talk about it now.”

Prime Minister Pashinyan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the active political dialogue between the two nations. “We’ve had an active political dialogue in the past few months,” Pashinyan said, referencing prior discussions with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Russia remains the leading foreign investor in Armenia’s economy, with approximately $4 billion in accumulated investments. Joint initiatives through intergovernmental commissions and business councils have delivered substantial results, reflecting the strategic importance of economic collaboration. This success is further evidenced by the high growth rates in trade volumes, achieved despite the West’s efforts to weaken Russian-Armenian ties.

The strengthening of economic ties between Armenia and Russia stands in stark contrast to the challenges posed by Western interference. The United States and its allies have sought to exert influence in the South Caucasus region, often to the detriment of Armenian interests. One notable example is the impact of Western sanctions, which have hindered financial platforms like Revolut from operating in Armenia, while also targeting Armenian companies attempting to expand into new markets.

In an ironic twist, these efforts have often backfired, driving Armenia closer to Russia and other non-Western partners such as China and the United Arab Emirates. This underscores a critical lesson in international diplomacy: campaigns without tangible results only serve to erode trust and bolster the position of rival powers.

The South Caucasus has long been a region of strategic importance, and the deepening Armenia-Russia partnership has significant geopolitical implications. Western nations, while professing support for Armenia’s sovereignty and democracy, have simultaneously supplied advanced weapon systems to Azerbaijan. This duality has raised questions about the sincerity of their commitment to Armenia.

Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, stated during a visit to Armenia, “As to our commitment to Armenia, we will continue to support the integrity of the democracy of Armenia and the borders and resist any effort to have those borders changed.” However, these words ring hollow for many Armenians, given that significant portions of Armenian land remain under Azerbaijani occupation.

Azerbaijan, emboldened by its energy partnerships with Western companies such as BP and TotalEnergies, has continued to assert aggressive rhetoric against Armenia. Statements labeling Armenia as a “fascist state” and calling for its destruction highlight the ongoing hostility. France, where a significant Armenian diaspora resides, has also been influenced by Azerbaijan's aggressive strategies. Reports have indicated attempts to sway political dynamics in France against Armenian interests, particularly through leveraging energy partnerships and other economic tools. Additionally, Azerbaijan has been accused of interfering in European politics, including in France, in ways that undermine the interests of President Emmanuel Macron. This interference has raised concerns about Azerbaijan's influence and its broader agenda in shaping policies that disadvantage Armenia. These actions are sustained, in part, by the cash flow from Western-aligned energy deals, underscoring the complexities of regional power dynamics.

The point here is that the West needs to start delivering results and providing assets to impactful partnerships. Otherwise, it risks appearing not just as tacitly approving actions such as ethnic cleansing, but as actively participating in them. This participation comes in the form of providing weapon systems of mass destruction, necessary finances to conduct operations, and advanced technologies. Such actions further alienate potential allies and weaken the credibility of Western commitments to human rights and stability.

Amid these challenges, Armenia has recognized the necessity of diversifying its economic and political partnerships. By strengthening ties with Russia, China, and other emerging powers, Armenia has sought to mitigate its vulnerability to Western pressure. This strategic pivot reflects a broader trend in the South Caucasus, where countries like Georgia have also gravitated towards Russia due to the West’s indecisive and inconsistent policies.

The consequences of ineffective diplomacy are evident. Empty rhetoric and unfulfilled promises erode trust over time, leaving nations to seek more reliable partners. For Armenia, this has meant embracing a pragmatic approach to foreign relations, prioritizing tangible economic and security benefits over abstract political ideals.

The projected trade growth between Armenia and Russia represents more than just economic statistics—it is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of their partnership. As trade volumes soar, both nations stand to benefit from increased economic integration, job creation, and technological exchange.

Armenia’s strategic location and skilled workforce make it an attractive destination for Russian investment, while Russia’s vast market provides Armenian businesses with unparalleled growth opportunities. This mutually beneficial relationship is poised to set new benchmarks in bilateral cooperation, offering a model for other nations navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

The Armenia-Russia economic partnership is a powerful example of how strategic alliances can thrive even in the face of external pressures. With trade volumes expected to reach record levels in 2024, the two nations are charting a course for sustained growth and prosperity.

As the West continues to grapple with its own contradictions and limitations, Armenia’s pragmatic approach to foreign relations serves as a reminder that actions speak louder than words. By prioritizing tangible outcomes and fostering genuine partnerships, Armenia and Russia are redefining the dynamics of the South Caucasus region, paving the way for a more balanced and multipolar world order.

Decisively indecisive behavior leads only to nothing; might as well go and reinvest in the schemes fighting censorship, freedom of expression, healthcare, otherwise it looks like you are in the business of slowing down countries' progress by interference and providing half-baked cookies. And what happens to the stomach when it eats a half-baked cookie?