Gyumri, Armenia — August 24 – What happened yesterday in Gyumri may look like a local protest, but in truth it was a political earthquake. For decades, the Russian 102nd military base stood as a symbol of Moscow’s “protection” — in reality, a reminder of Armenia’s dependence. Now, that symbol is being openly challenged on the streets.
Hundreds of Armenians gathered to demand the withdrawal of Russian troops, chanting that they no longer want to live under the shadow of Moscow’s bayonets. This was not just an emotional outburst. It was a statement of identity: Armenia wants to reclaim sovereignty long outsourced to the Kremlin.
The timing is no coincidence. With the Washington Declaration signed on August 8, Armenia has stepped into a new era of diplomacy and reconciliation. The Russian base, once seen as a guarantor of security, is increasingly viewed as an obstacle to peace and independence. Every banner raised in Gyumri was not only against Russia, but also for a different future — one where Armenia stands as a free actor in its region, not as a satellite of a fading empire.
For Moscow, this is a humiliation. The South Caucasus was supposed to remain its strategic backyard, but yesterday’s protest reveals the crumbling of that illusion. For Yerevan, it is a test: does the government have the courage to listen to its people and finally redefine its security away from Russia?
Gyumri may be a small city, but yesterday it carried the voice of a nation: enough is enough. Armenia has no reason to tie its fate to a power that failed it in war and betrays it in peace. The Russian base stands as the last fortress of a dying order. Its days are numbered — and the countdown has begun.
