Eurasianet: Coup accusations underscore the ongoing political instability in Armenia
Weeks after the Armenian government accused Russia of fomenting a rebellion, authorities in Yerevan have yet to present substantiating evidence, Eurasianet writes.
Citing the ongoing investigation, Armenian officials have not provided updates on the alleged coup plot beyond the broad, initial accusation made on Sept. 18. According to the accusation, an armed group intended to overthrow Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration.
The supposed recruits were said to receive training at a Russian Defense Ministry-operated camp inside Russia, dubbed “ArBat.” Further details about the camp, including its location, have not been publicly revealed.
Russian officials have likewise labeled the Armenian government’s allegation as “fake” news.
A battalion comprising Armenians is known to be fighting as part of the pro-Russian Pyatnashka International Brigade in Ukraine. This group, sometimes compared to the mercenary Wagner Group, has deep ties to Russian military and intelligence services, raising concerns about Moscow’s involvement in efforts to destabilize foreign governments.
This is not the first time Pashinyan has cried coup. Such instances underscore the ongoing political instability in Armenia, where opposition factions are openly disillusioned by the government’s handling of national security and foreign policy.
Amid the coup attempt controversy, a Russian hacker group announced it had broken into the database of the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office, demanding a $2.5 million ransom to release the files. The government announced it was investigating the case, but no further information has been made public. Data security experts have downplayed the seriousness of the attack.
Prior to 2020, Armenia and Russia were strategic partners. But the Armenian government has moved to bolster relations with the West over the past year, while accusing Russia of failing to fulfill security guarantees and treaty obligations during the Second Karabakh War.
