Geopolitics

While Moscow’s busy talking about being a global power, pro-Russian oligarchs are getting thrown in jail in Yerevan, and Baku is cutting off meetings with Russian officials.

In Armenia, the Kremlin clearly tried to back someone more loyal, but that plan failed. The businessman they were counting on got arrested and accused of plotting a coup. So much for restoring influence. The whole thing even set off a meltdown among Russian state media, who suddenly started attacking Armenia’s leadership like it was personal.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan isn’t staying quiet either. After two of its citizens died during a police operation in Yekaterinburg, Baku reacted hard - canceling cultural events, freezing diplomatic contacts, and demanding answers. It’s a pretty loud message: even countries with strong economic ties to Russia aren’t afraid to push back anymore.

Russia’s losing influence fast even in places that used to be firmly in its backyard.