Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

[Eddo211]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

Gegev
The word "Idiot" applies to all of us, including me and you, if we, as a nation will not be able to translate and react to developments around us and loose opportunities that arise in our favor. Or worse, being steared by others.
This is not only about our foreign policies, but also internal. Our corruption and greed. Political ineptedness and lack of national will.
In other words, we have to realise that no ally will help or save us if we keep stearing our boat towards rocks.
I did not mean to insult you personally. Sorry.

gegev is a good man

You do make a good point though, as a people we are a scatterbrains.....a fate handed to us by our past leaders? nobody is more scattered than Armenians in the world.

[Haykakan]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

gegev is good man

So was the last Russian Czar..It takes more then a good man to be a good leader - you also have to be a smart man. The balance of power is quickly changing in the world and many here are oblivious to this fact and are clinging to western hopes, dreams and ideals which no longer exist even in the west (notice the fascist USA thread). No smart man would say xxxx Russia if you give a rats arse about Armenia. Mr Gegev and many other are not smart enough to realize that even when Russia sells arms to our enemies it gives us arms free of charge to counter them while charging them market prices. This is obviously a friendly gesture by our ally but the spoiled rotton retarded babies cannot comprehend such gestures. If Russia was nothing more then a talking ally there would not be a Armenian state today. Give guys like Raffi or Gegev a at shot leadership and they will have the dishonor of being the governers of the last Armenian state.

[gegev]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

So was the last Russian Czar..It takes more then a good man to be a good leader - you also have to be a smart man. The balance of power is quickly changing in the world and many here are oblivious to this fact and are clinging to western hopes, dreams and ideals which no longer exist even in the west (notice the fascist USA thread). No smart man would say xxxx Russia if you give a rats arse about Armenia. Mr Gegev and many other are not smart enough to realize that even when Russia sells arms to our enemies it gives us arms free of charge to counter them while charging them market prices. This is obviously a friendly gesture by our ally but the spoiled rotton retarded babies cannot comprehend such gestures. If Russia was nothing more then a talking ally there would not be a Armenian state today. Give guys like Raffi or Gegev a at shot leadership and they will have the dishonor of being the governers of the last Armenian state.

Armenia's future President's MISSION TO ACCOMPLISH IS; being THE LEADER OF the first Christian STATE.

Don't frighten Armenians, neither I nor you, will not become future leader/governer of Armenia.

I see in my resent dreams the GOVERNER COMING; although A leader of A small country, HE wouldn't be a puppet. Armenia will become a respectable and valued state in the world.

As a state, future Armenia, will honor all its obligations against other countries, its own people and will enjoy recognition as a chess and justice superpower worldwide, honoring its mission as the first Christian state.

HIS MISSION TO ACCOMPLISH IS; becoming THE LEADER OF the first Christian STATE. I'm sure it matters!

And now enjoy the words of wisdom; by Haykakan:

... Gegev and many other are not smart enough to realize that even when Russia sells arms to our enemies it gives us arms free of charge to counter them while charging them market prices. This is obviously a friendly gesture by our ally but the spoiled rotton retarded babies cannot comprehend such gestures. If Russia was nothing more then a talking ally there would not be a Armenian state today. ...

[Eddo211]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

So was the last Russian Czar..It takes more then a good man to be a good leader - you also have to be a smart man. The balance of power is quickly changing in the world and many here are oblivious to this fact and are clinging to western hopes, dreams and ideals which no longer exist even in the west (notice the fascist USA thread). No smart man would say xxxx Russia if you give a rats arse about Armenia. Mr Gegev and many other are not smart enough to realize that even when Russia sells arms to our enemies it gives us arms free of charge to counter them while charging them market prices. This is obviously a friendly gesture by our ally but the spoiled rotton retarded babies cannot comprehend such gestures. If Russia was nothing more then a talking ally there would not be a Armenian state today. Give guys like Raffi or Gegev a at shot leadership and they will have the dishonor of being the governers of the last Armenian state.

xxxx Russia....

[Mher]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

xxxx Russia....

Russia is nothing but a failing mafia state blessed with endless natural resources. Even though some here wish to deny the obvious, and pretend Putin is some sort of genius God of our times, Russia is not exactly a model state to follow. Unfortunately our options are not very open, and Russia is all we have right now. Though without significant change, Russia is bound to fall apart soon, for now it is still a heavyweight state that's willing to be our patron, a sh!tty one at that, but a patron nonetheless, and we're in no position to reject that. Thanks in no small part to Russia our $400 million army stands toe to toe with a $4 billion army, and that's not a small achievement. We have to use this relationship in an intelligent way, and not jump the gun, until the day we are actually able to stand on our own.

[Eddo211]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

We love Russia...

[londontsi]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

We love Russia...

That may be true for some, but what is more relevant is to understand, does Russia loves us?

I have come to the conclusion that Russia either loves both Armenia and Azerbaijan equally ( by supplying lots of weapons to both of us to avoid a war ).

OR

Hates both Armenia and Azerbaijan equally ( by supplying lots of weapons to both of us to kill each other ).

Take your pick.

.

[Lernakan]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

Of strategic missiles and easy money: Russia’s positioning in the South Caucasus

By Vilen Khlgatyan

In recent weeks, important information regarding the military balance of power in the South Caucasus has come to light. On June 3rd it was revealed that Russia has stationed an undisclosed number of Iskander-M ballistic missiles in Armenia. While on June 18th media outlets reported that Russia has begun the delivery of nearly $1 billion worth of weaponry, which include tanks, multiple rocket launchers and artillery cannons, to Azerbaijan.

Although each development was a result of differing political and military considerations, only one of the arms deals is of a strategic nature, and that is the placement of Iskander-M systems in Armenia. Moscow is showing that it is increasing the utilization of its military presence in Armenia for greater strategic purpose and depth, while at the same time further consolidating its overarching sway over the Caucasus region. This is part of Moscow’s geostrategic plan to increase its influence in the Middle East, a region bordering the Caucasus and one that has in recent years become more important to Russia’s global geopolitical calculations. It should be noted that the Iskander ballistic missile system in Armenia is the domestic version produced for the Russian military and not the export version which has a lower payload capacity as well as shorter range. Furthermore, the stationing of the nuclear warhead capable Iskander systems in Armenian territory is another tacit nod to Armenia’s placement under the Russian nuclear umbrella, which was first declared in 1993 when Turkey was reported to have been seriously considering invading Armenia until a Russian threat of intervention on the side of Armenia kept Ankara at bay.

While Russia’s delivery of military hardware to Azerbaijan is unfortunate and should be closely monitored by Armenian national security and military officials, it is not a military game-changer as far as Armenia is concerned. The weapons systems that Azerbaijan has purchased from Russia can all be neutralized by Armenia’s own arsenal of anti-tank, surface to air and precision guided missiles. And unlike Baku, Yerevan does not and will not be asked to pay the full retail price for the arms it purchases from Russia. As a CSTO member, Armenia is also often provided with free weapons and training. As one of Moscow’s top strategic partners, Armenia is not likely to be put in a position where the military balance would be titled toward Azerbaijan. Russian officials realize that the loss of Armenia as an ally would quickly lead to Russia’s loss of influence in the rest of the strategic Caucasus and in a worst case scenario the loss of territory in the North Caucasus. Historically, Russia has controlled the South Caucasus in order to ensure control and stability in the North Caucasus. The Kremlin can not afford to lose the Caucasus, and, geopolitically speaking, Armenia is the focal point of the region. It is noteworthy that a source in the Russian Ministry of Defense said Baku’s military purchases had been ‘on hold for some time to avoid upsetting the military balance in the South Caucasus.’ This statement implies that official Moscow decided to go through with the transaction only after it was assured that the balance of military power would not shift in favor of Baku. This statement is corroborated by Armenian defense ministry spokesman, Artstrun Hovhanisyan, who said that Azerbaijan’s acquisition of arms is not seen as being precarious, because Armenian authorities have known about it since the moment the deals were signed.

Looked at from a level headed position, if Russia had not sold these weapons to Azerbaijan, the latter would have turned to Israel or Western states to meet its purported needs. Moreover, Azerbaijani officials see Russians as pro-Armenian. Therefore, Moscow wants to keep some semblance of normalcy and leverage in its relations with Baku. Seen in this light, it is irrational and counter-productive to engage in Russophobic statements, particularly when there are foreign and domestic forces operating in Armenia which would like to see a rift between Moscow and Yerevan. Furthermore, the arms transfer comes only a few months after Russia vacated the Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan following tense negotiations that did not produce a mutually beneficial result. And only one month after Russia unilaterally terminated oil shipments from Azerbaijan via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline. Therefore, the weapons sales to Azerbaijan should be viewed as being purely a commercial deal with no strategic overtones. In other words, it is a business deal first, and a small token to keep Russo-Azerbaijani relations mostly cordial second. One should also keep in mind that in case of war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Russian made arms that Azerbaijan will use are going to be easier to counteract than similar armaments produced in the West for example. Given that the Armenian military is well acquainted with Russian and Soviet military arms, whereas the same can not be said of Western made armaments.

Neverthless, one key lesson to be taken away for Armenian officials from the Russia-Azerbaijan arms transfer is to step up lobbying efforts in the Kremlin. While Russian officials have their own incentives for supporting Armenia, the Armenian government can not rely on this fact alone. Official Yerevan, as well as the Armenian diaspora in Russia must be more proactive in communicating its needs, desires, and expectations. The large and affluent Armenian diaspora in Russia can and must play a crucial role in ensuring that Armenia’s well being is at the top of the agenda for Russian policymakers for years to come.

Vilen Khlgatyan is the Vice-Chairman of the Political Developments Research Center (PDRC).

http://times.am/?p=27042&l=en

[gegev]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

Russia Is Preparing The Armenian Genocide

http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/interview/view/30333

According to the Russian Vedomosti, Russia supplied to Azerbaijan armaments costing 1 billion USD, including three battalions of Т-90С tanks, three battalions of armored vehicles, one division of Msta-S self-propelled howitzer, one division of Smerch BM -30 rocket systems, one division of Vena self-propelled howitzer and one unit Solntsepyok heavy flame thrower system.

Interview with first commander of NKR self-defense Arkady Karapetyan
Mr. Karapetyan what is Russia’s goal?

I don’t believe that by selling weapons Russia is trying to maintain the balance in Transcaucasia, on the contrary, it is boosting tension. It rather balances the Russian military base which does not belong to Armenia. I’m mostly worried about the sale of Smerch rocket systems. If 1600 people died as a result of a Grad volley in Tskhinvali, can you imagine what will happen if Smerch is used against Stepanakert? Thousands of people will die, if not the whole population.

Russia is selling weapons to Armenia at internal Russian prices, while to Azerbaijan at international prices.
The weapons sold to Armenia at internal prices are the old generation weapons, such a T-72 tanks. Why aren’t they selling Smerch rockets, airplanes and other types of weapons to us in order to keep the balance?
Recently Iskander ballistic missiles have been imported to Armenia. This is said to be the proof of commitment to parity.
These missiles have been provided to the Russian base. If they gave them to us and trained local staff, that would be different. Second, for example, Iskanders will be launched at headquarters which may have been already dislocated during the war, while Smerch is a direct threat to the population. One volley of this missile will destroy 67 hectares. One division is composed of 18 stations, Azerbaijan has two divisions today.

If Azerbaijan does not buy weapons from Russia, it will buy from other countries, such as Israel.
Let it buy but we would at least know that it is not buying from our friendly country. Plus, only Russia produces Smerch in the world, which is a weapon of mass destruction.
According to a Russian political scientist, Russia is acting in the same way as NATO and the U.S. which sell weapons to Egypt and Israel, Greece and Turkey in order to maintain the balance.

Israel has nuclear weapon. Do NATO and the U.S. sell nuclear weapons to any other country in the region? Smerch is equal to a nuclear weapon in our region.

The CTSO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha said about Russia supply to Azerbaijan that it is business, market relations and Russia’s economy.
Ok, it is business. Then stop saying that we are brothers. If you are a businessman, why don’t you pay for your base in Armenia? Why don’t we request money from you? A state that is guided by business interests may sell the military base and leave the country at any moment. It may even sell the base to a third country. A brotherly country should act otherwise. Brotherhood is not business.

So what can Armenia do?

I think brotherly Russia is preparing the Armenian genocide. I’m saying it as a person who lives in Artsakh waiting when Smerch will be used against his family. I think when they say that it is necessary to ensure the security of Armenia they mean the territories, not people. State is not business, it is a higher value. Russia should finally decide if it is a businessman or a serious state.
Armenia should rely on itself. We have been shouting for twenty years to pay attention at military industry, but in vain …

[robertik1]

Re: Is Russia an ally or foe, nowadays?

Russia Is Preparing The Armenian Genocide

http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/interview/view/30333

According to the Russian Vedomosti, Russia supplied to Azerbaijan armaments costing 1 billion USD, including three battalions of Т-90С tanks, three battalions of armored vehicles, one division of Msta-S self-propelled howitzer, one division of Smerch BM -30 rocket systems, one division of Vena self-propelled howitzer and one unit Solntsepyok heavy flame thrower system.

Interview with first commander of NKR self-defense Arkady Karapetyan
Mr. Karapetyan what is Russia’s goal?

I don’t believe that by selling weapons Russia is trying to maintain the balance in Transcaucasia, on the contrary, it is boosting tension. It rather balances the Russian military base which does not belong to Armenia. I’m mostly worried about the sale of Smerch rocket systems. If 1600 people died as a result of a Grad volley in Tskhinvali, can you imagine what will happen if Smerch is used against Stepanakert? Thousands of people will die, if not the whole population.

Russia is selling weapons to Armenia at internal Russian prices, while to Azerbaijan at international prices.
The weapons sold to Armenia at internal prices are the old generation weapons, such a T-72 tanks. Why aren’t they selling Smerch rockets, airplanes and other types of weapons to us in order to keep the balance?
Recently Iskander ballistic missiles have been imported to Armenia. This is said to be the proof of commitment to parity.
These missiles have been provided to the Russian base. If they gave them to us and trained local staff, that would be different. Second, for example, Iskanders will be launched at headquarters which may have been already dislocated during the war, while Smerch is a direct threat to the population. One volley of this missile will destroy 67 hectares. One division is composed of 18 stations, Azerbaijan has two divisions today.
If Azerbaijan does not buy weapons from Russia, it will buy from other countries, such as Israel.
Let it buy but we would at least know that it is not buying from our friendly country. Plus, only Russia produces Smerch in the world, which is a weapon of mass destruction.
According to a Russian political scientist, Russia is acting in the same way as NATO and the U.S. which sell weapons to Egypt and Israel, Greece and Turkey in order to maintain the balance.

Israel has nuclear weapon. Do NATO and the U.S. sell nuclear weapons to any other country in the region? Smerch is equal to a nuclear weapon in our region.

The CTSO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha said about Russia supply to Azerbaijan that it is business, market relations and Russia’s economy.
Ok, it is business. Then stop saying that we are brothers. If you are a businessman, why don’t you pay for your base in Armenia? Why don’t we request money from you? A state that is guided by business interests may sell the military base and leave the country at any moment. It may even sell the base to a third country. A brotherly country should act otherwise. Brotherhood is not business.

So what can Armenia do?

I think brotherly Russia is preparing the Armenian genocide. I’m saying it as a person who lives in Artsakh waiting when Smerch will be used against his family. I think when they say that it is necessary to ensure the security of Armenia they mean the territories, not people. State is not business, it is a higher value. Russia should finally decide if it is a businessman or a serious state.
Armenia should rely on itself. We have been shouting for twenty years to pay attention at military industry, but in vain …

I take it you have a vendetta against our brotherly relations with Mother Russia...