Russia Strengthens Its Forces in Armenia by Transferring Units From Southern Military District

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has disclosed a document revealing Russia’s active preparations to strengthen its military presence in Armenia.

This information was published on the official website of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

According to intelligence reports, between May 13 and June 11, 2025, personnel will be selected from the 8th, 18th, 49th, and 58th Guards Combined Arms Armies of the Southern Military District for deployment to Armenia.

In a letter signed by the acting Chief of Staff of the district, Major General Zemskiy, it states:

“To the commander of the military unit — field post 04436: between May 13 and June 11, conduct the selection of personnel within the formations and military units of the district for signing initial contracts and subsequent service at the military base.”

The commanders of units have been ordered to fully support this process. The document clearly outlines the requirements for candidates: proper combat training, psychological resilience, and no history of involvement in the illegal circulation of narcotic or psychotropic substances.

The Main Intelligence Directorate emphasizes that the formation of a new military group in Gyumri is seen as Russia’s attempt to strengthen its military influence in the region amid growing security instability in the South Caucasus.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia has rejected the intelligence report suggesting that the country’s territory could be used to increase Russia’s military and political pressure on other South Caucasus states. The report referred to the buildup of personnel at the Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenia.

It is worth noting that political relations between Armenia and Russia remain tense, as the Armenian government has expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s inaction during the armed conflict with Azerbaijan.

This has led to significant disputes and prompted Armenia to reduce its role in the CSTO, while also stepping up efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with the United States and the European Union.

In addition, in October 2024, an agreement was reached on the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Armenian-Iranian border. The two sides agreed to end the deployment of Russian units that had been stationed there for 32 years.

Militarnyi previously reported that on September 1, 2024, it had become known that the Armenian government had decided to suspend its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that, personally, he respected all points of view, but the government had made the decision to freeze its involvement in the organization.

Pashinyan added that, for then, Armenia did not see the need to make any further decisions regarding the CSTO, though he had not ruled out the possibility of that happening in the future.