The cooperation between Armenia and the West is a source of fierce jealousy for Russia. Russian FM Lavrov stated that Western countries are seeking to forge ties with #Armenia against #Russia. He remarked: "Western countries, now actively courting Armenia, aim to establish friendship with it against the Russian Federation. We support Armenia, as a #CSTO member, our close ally, and strategic partner, in determining how it builds relationships with foreign partners. We have no prejudices regarding the circle of its foreign partners; we never make friends with anyone against anyone" Lavrov added. It is evident that Sergey #Lavrov's assessment of the situation was ill-chosen. Relations between Armenia and the #USA, the #EU, and #France have indeed been developing and intensifying lately, these ties constitute a partnership, not a courtship. In general, the Russian MFA's approach to evaluating its policy towards Armenia has become characterized by a "love-hate" dynamic, which is unprofessional at best. Lavrov's spokesperson asserted that "the Armenian authorities are deliberately destroying allied relations with the Russian Federation." He recalled the contacts between Armenian and Ukrainian officials. "This is a demonstrative flirtation with those who are aggressively opposing our country. There's no other explanation. I regret that the republic's current leadership is deliberately and persistently destroying our alliance relations" the Russian Foreign Ministry declared. I have already pointed out that the #Russian-#Azerbaijani flirtation resulted in the deaths of thousands of #Armenians. In 2011-2020, 67% of #Azerbaijan's arsenal consisted of weapons sold by Russia and Belarus. Imagine if the USA were to sell billions of weapons to its ally #Ukraine's enemy Russia, or to its ally #Israel's enemy #Hamas. In reality, Russia disagrees that it is being increasingly pushed out of the process of ensuring Armenia's security. The USA and France recently decided to support reforms in the Armenian Armed Forces. Weeks ago, it became known about France's reforms of the Armenia's Armed Forces and the topic of arms sales. #Paris and #Yerevan signed an agreement documenting military cooperation. A few days ago, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenia's Armed Forces Edward Asryan also visited #Germany, meeting with the Deputy Commander of the US European Command Stephen Basham. The #US will support reforms of the Armenian army in the following areas: professionalization of the armed forces, strengthening of the professional sergeant corps, modernization of the command system, peacekeeping, #military medicine, military education, combat training, exercises, etc. There have always been politicians and political scientists in Armenia who viewed the idea of #security cooperation with the West with skepticism, claiming that Armenia's defense cooperation can only be with Russia. I believe these individuals were directly under #Russian influence. It is no coincidence that their vocabulary aligned with that of Russian officials. However, the fact is that military and #security cooperation between Armenia and the #West is deepening after Russia supported Azerbaijan in the #Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and refused to fulfill its security obligations towards Armenia and #NagornoKarabakh. Even today, Russia does not sell arms to Armenia. Russia indirectly forced Armenia to invite the #EU observation mission to its territory. On September 13, 2022, during the attack and occupation of Armenian territory by Azerbaijan, Russia refused to support the Armenian side, shirking its security duties. The other day I was in #Brussels, where the "Strategic future of Armenia" conference, "Armenia-Europe," was held. We broadcasted it. The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan, who declined to attend a #CIS event in Russia, was also present in Brussels. He announced that Armenia had submitted an application to the #EuropeanUnion proposing expanded cooperation in various areas, including security. He didn't elaborate on the specific nature of security cooperation. However, it is possible that Armenia is seeking to activate the European Peace Facility, a instrument that the EU previously declined to extend to Armenia. Armenia's renewed application may be driven by the changing geopolitical landscape, particularly Russia's diminishing role in ensuring Armenia's security. Armen Grigoryan stated: "Armenia's #democracy is frequently targeted, and for Armenia to safeguard itself from this targeting, it also requires substantial assistance. Armenia needs support to diversify its economy and its security resources." I believe this is the opportune moment for the European Union, following France and the USA, to take concrete steps to bolster Armenia's security. Russia is no longer supplying weapons to Armenia, nor is it supporting the reform of Armenia's Armed Forces. Diversification efforts in these areas are already underway with Western and Indian involvement. The European Union should take a step forward and assume a role in guaranteeing Armenia's security. The observation mission is a positive step towards engagement, but more active engagement is needed. In my opinion, the #Karabakh conflict is resolved, and the EU's support for Armenia cannot be considered biased. Only someone irrational would claim that Armenia is arming itself to initiate a war against Azerbaijan, #Turkey's military ally, which also enjoys Russia's backing. Armen Grigoryan emphasized during the "Armenia-Europe" conference that Yerevan had never engaged in such high-level discussions with the West on security matters, citing France as an example. Last month, Yerevan and Paris signed an agreement on military cooperation, which includes the supply of defensive weapons. "There are still exemplary countries, such as France, with whom we have made significant progress in the military sphere, but we have expectations that we will be able to strengthen our security cooperation with both collective #Europe and individual countries. And when I say security cooperation, I don't just mean military; I mean security in a broader sense" said Grigoryan. At this juncture, it is crucial to assist Armenia in resisting the planned joint military attacks by Russia and Azerbaijan. Armenia's ability to resist will create an opportunity to avoid being forced into a bilateral agreement with Russia or Azerbaijan. Seeing the West's support for Armenia's security, Azerbaijan will comprehend that a new war will not resolve the issues and will agree to Brussels-format negotiations. There is no other viable option. Armen Grigoryan also mentioned ongoing discussions in Armenia regarding the concepts of #European integration or becoming a non-bloc state. "We are listening to civil society and attempting to determine which tools can best promote security, peace, and development in Armenia and the region." This issue undoubtedly necessitates a high level of professional expertise, but I believe it is a tactical one. Deepening cooperation with the USA, EU, France, and #Germany in the security, economic, political, and democratic spheres should be Armenia's top foreign policy priority. Whether to achieve this by immediately initiating the #European integration process or seeking non-bloc state status is a subject of debate. If Russia weakens significantly in the Ukraine conflict and lacks the means to attack Armenia, pursuing European integration may be quickly feasible. However, if Russia retains the capacity to deliver a devastating blow, adopting a non-bloc state approach may be the only option. Of course, pursuing a European integration agenda is also possible by undertaking substantial and serious efforts to reduce reliance on Russia. The goal is paramount; the tools will always be found.