MOSCOW: The Kremlin voiced its strong disapproval on Tuesday following the decision of Armenia’s parliament to progress towards joining the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that has escalated tensions with Russia, Armenia’s historic ally.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, addressing reporters, criticized the step, stating, “We are doubtful that from the point of view of bilateral ties, Armenia’s accession to the Rome Statute is correct. We still believe that it is the wrong decision.”
Armenian lawmakers had earlier voted to approve a key step toward joining the ICC, a decision met with caution by Russia. The move comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, citing his involvement in the war in Ukraine and the illegal deportation of children to Russia. Members of the ICC are obligated to arrest Putin if he sets foot on their territory.
Relations Between Armenia and Russia
This decision has deepened the divide between Moscow and Yerevan, with Armenia expressing frustration over what it perceives as the Kremlin’s inaction regarding Armenia’s long-standing confrontation with Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has indicated that Armenia might seek alliances elsewhere, indicating a shift in the country’s foreign policy approach.
However, the Kremlin reiterated its stance, emphasizing that Armenia has no alternative to the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a security alliance crucial to Armenia’s national interests. Peskov emphasized, “I think that most people in Armenia realize that the CSTO instruments are absolutely irreplaceable. The Armenian side has nothing better than these mechanisms; we are sure of that.”
The move towards joining the ICC signifies Armenia’s willingness to take an independent stance in international matters, potentially straining its relations further with Russia.
