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Russian Telegram channels and the pro-Russian Armenian channels that actively share their content have been systematically and actively sharing information since yesterday that the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri is “preparing for the worst.”
The article, which originates from the Rybar Telegram channel with over 1 million followers, presents a number of claims that are not accompanied by evidence or specific sources.
In particular, the author makes allegations that Russia’s 102nd military base located in Gyumri is “preparing for a possible military escalation.” The author of the article also claims that the Armenian side is allegedly hindering cooperation with the Russian military, and the situation in the region could be used to withdraw the Russian contingent.
“While hostilities are underway in Iran, a precedent may be created in Gyumri, which will become an excuse for the withdrawal of the Russian troops. “Yesterday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Russian base “does not hinder the republic’s European aspirations” for now, but hinted that the situation may change in the future,” the author concluded.
The Fact Investigation Platform has examined these publications and the claims made therein.
We found out that this article, which contains no evidence-based information, is being systematically shared on the Telegram channels of Russian pro-government military journalists and shared by pro-Russian figures and the information channels of political forces. The article specifically states: “According to our information, the personnel is preparing for a possible armed escalation,” but does not specifically state by whom or what escalation it is.
At the same time, it is claimed that the Armenian side is “sabotaging” military cooperation. The question arises as to over what that military cooperation is.
In addition, the author attempts to connect a series of events without any evidence. For example, the mention of trucks with Ukrainian license plates is presented in the context of the military situation around Iran and speculation about the Russian base in Gyumri, but this connection is not substantiated by any facts.
The main allegations presented in the article are based on anonymous sources. The text uses the phrase “according to our information,” but again, no source or evidence is provided.
Pashinyan’s position on the Russian military base
Recently, Pashinyan has at least twice referred to the Russian military base in Armenia and emphasized that the Armenian side has no concerns regarding its activity. On February 26, Pashinyan stated in Poland that “we are close partners with Russia.”
The next mention was on March 5, when, in a briefing with journalists after a government session, he emphasized: “We are fortunately or unfortunately not yet at the point where the Russian military base will be blocking our view…” In fact, Pashinyan’s words have been taken out of context.
Narratives systematically shared by Russian or pro-Russian sources
The Russian author’s text uses narratives of fear and threat, speaking of possible “provocations,” “escalation,” and war in the region. The main narrative of pro-Russian sources is that the withdrawal of the Russian base is in the interest of “Western sponsors” and the “Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem.”
FIP.am’s investigation shows that the structure of this article is consistent with informational narratives frequently found on Russian military Telegram channels. This article was also shared by Yuri Podoliak, a military journalist actively covering the Russian-Ukrainian war, and other military channels.
In addition to these channels, the information was also shared by pro-Russian Armenian Telegram channels, namely, the channel of the “Strong Armenia” party belonging to the Karapetyans, “Yerevan.Today” associated with Robert Kocharyan, “Mika Badalyan”, etc.
Thus, the investigation by the Fact Investigation Platform shows that the recent allegations about the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri are not substantiated. These posts are systematically shared on Russian military and pro-Russian Armenian Telegram channels, using narratives of fear and threat.
In fact, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly emphasized that the Armenian side has no concerns about the activities of the Russian base, but these statements are often redacted or taken out of context.
Hasmik Hambardzumyan
