Russians are not Armenians and vice versa. Though there are close and longstanding ties between them. I think a lot of Armenians are Russian speakers, a lot have dual citizenship. Russia maintains an important base there, and Armenia looks to Russia to defend them from the Turks, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
But they had lately been flirting with the west, which annoyed Putin. And Russia has interests in Azerbaijan, which though it’s not a CSTO member, it is a major oil producer. So Armenia found itself hung out to dry when the Azeris attacked.
No real surprise. But conversely, no real surprise that Armenia returns the favor, standing at arm’s length from Russia now that they are looking for support from their friends.
In the end, Armenia has no choice but to depend on Russia for its defense and even its economy. But they are not happy, and they were making a point.
Russia maintains an important base there, and Armenia looks to Russia to defend them from the Turks, Iran, and Azerbaijan.===
This base was important to Soviet Union. Russia just inherited it and would close it already but Armenia wanted to keep it.
Russia is not USSSR so she will not defend Armenia but only may help them to defend themselves. Russians can’t fight for Armenia if Armenians won’t.
In the end, Armenia has no choice but to depend on Russia for its defense and even its economy. But they are not happy, and they were making a point.==
They not happy and Russia isn’t too. SO better for everyone to cancel such relationship which bothers both.