Ukrainian intelligence reports a build-up of Russian troops at the base in Gyumre, near the border with Azerbaijan.
Russia has strengthened its military presence at its base in Gyumre, located near the border with Azerbaijan, a key supplier of gas to Europe.
This was reported by the British publication The Mirror, citing data from Ukrainian military intelligence.
The issue concerns the transfer of units from the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation to a military unit in Gyumre, which is one of the largest Russian bases in the region. According to the GUR, Russian and Armenian officials previously denied the movement of troops, but the Ukrainian side received documents confirming the build-up of the contingent.
The base is estimated to house up to 5,000 troops, as well as modern air defense systems and fighter jets. Ukrainian intelligence believes that the move is part of Russia's strategy to increase its influence in the South Caucasus and could pose a threat to stability in the region.
Context: conflict with Azerbaijan
Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia worsened after an incident in Yekaterinburg, where several Azerbaijani citizens were detained, two of whom died in custody. In response, Baku restricted cultural ties with Russia, blocked some Russian media, and tightened controls on Russian citizens.
Azerbaijan remains an important player for the EU as it is a key supplier of energy resources, including natural gas, as its dependence on Russian imports decreases.
Warning from NATO
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed concern in an interview with The New York Times about a possible coordinated scenario between China and Russia. According to him, if China attacks Taiwan, Beijing could urge Moscow to step up its activities in Europe in order to distract the West. Rutte called on allies to increase defense spending, stressing: “Only a strong NATO can contain this threat.”
Earlier, the Armenian Foreign Ministry denied information that appeared in the media about the possible use of the republic’s territory to carry out military actions against neighboring countries.
