Armenia relied on Russia to safeguard the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory, but Moscow failed to act when control of the region collapsed, driving Yerevan away from its longtime ally.
Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan, prime minister of Armenia. Photo: Press service of the Armenian government
In Syria, Russia kept Bashar al-Assad in power for years, but once Moscow pulled back to focus on Ukraine, his regime quickly collapsed and he fled to Russia.
Former Syrian president Bashar Assad and Vladimir Putin. Photo: AP
Despite a close partnership, Iran saw Russia offer only words after Israeli strikes and during mounting protests, revealing Moscow’s reluctance to back even key allies when the risks rise.
Vladimir Putin meeting Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photo: Reuters
In Venezuela, Russia-backed air defenses failed to protect Nicolás Maduro, who was captured by US forces in hours as Moscow responded with little more than demands.
Vladimir Putin greets Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro at the BRICS 2024 Summit in Kazan, Russia. Photo: Sefa Karacan/Getty Images
Russia’s alliances collapse under pressure, as it backs partners only while the cost is low.
Nicolas Maduro in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed Federal agents. Photo: Starmax/Newscom/Zuma Press