Russia Expresses Concern Over Armenia's NATO Shift

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed regret and concern over Armenia's growing alliance with NATO, fearing it could destabilize the South Caucasus. Armenia, traditionally allied with Russia, has been warming up to NATO while distancing itself from Moscow, notably participating in U.S.-Armenian military exercises.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that Armenia's tilt towards NATO was a cause for regret and concern, noting that Yerevan's actions could destabilize the wider South Caucasus region.

Yerevan, traditionally Russia's closest regional ally, has fostered warmer ties with the NATO alliance in recent years as its relations with Moscow have strained.

Zakharova mentioned that U.S.-Armenian military exercises set to conclude on July 24 were particularly alarming, especially after Yerevan froze its participation in a Russian-led security alliance.

(With inputs from agencies.)