Armenia's ICC Membership Raises Concerns for Russia

Armenia's decision to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) means that the country is now legally obligated to honor the ICC warrant by arresting Russian President Vladimir Putin if he ever sets foot on Armenian soil. This move comes amid increasingly unsteady relations between Russia and Armenia, with Armenia feeling let down by Russia's refusal to assist in efforts to thwart Azerbaijan's takeover of the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The deteriorating relationship is further evidenced by Armenia's warm welcome of Ukraine and Moldova's advancement in the process of becoming members of the European Union, which is strongly opposed by Putin's government.