<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>Russia is increasing its military presence in Armenia by bolstering its troop contingent at its 102nd military base near the city of Gyumri.</li><li>A leaked memo from a Russian commander outlines the steps for urgent replenishment of the under-strength garrison at the 102nd base, with troops from units across the Southern Military District being redeployed by mid-June.</li><li>Armenian officials initially denied reports of a troop surge, prompting Ukrainian military intelligence to leak the memo, which includes requirements for personnel selection.</li><li>The troop surge is seen as a tactic to pressure Armenia amid escalating tensions and a geopolitical split with Russia following the Second Karabakh War and recent anti-government actions.</li><li>Observers believe Russia's efforts to influence Armenia may be challenged by the country's shifting interests towards the West and a younger generation less swayed by traditional Russian narratives.</li></ul>

Russia Boosts Military Presence in Armenia

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