Russian 102nd Military Base in Armenia Uses Church Network for Political Influence Operations

An investigation by UIC claims that the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri, Armenia, is exerting social, religious, and political pressure on the country.

The report, published on May 11, claims these activities are undermining Armenia’s national sovereignty.

Priest Timofey Kazaryan serves at the base as a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church. Formally, he is an assistant to the base commander, Colonel Alexander Bezborodov, focusing on work with religious servicemen. However, Kazaryan also maintains close contact with the clergy of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church through joint events.

While his official duties include conducting individual conversations with servicemen and providing spiritual support in stressful or difficult family situations, sources say Kazaryan is also engaged in what is described as near-daily propaganda activities.

This reportedly takes place almost every day and is aimed at undermining Armenian statehood, primarily conducted within Orthodox churches located on the base, including the Church of the Holy Martyr Alexandra and the Chapel of the Archangel Michael.

The investigation suggests that Kazaryan’s influence extends beyond the military facility. He is described as a representative of a broader Russian state network operating within Armenia.

In July 2023, the Moscow House in Yerevan made a donation to the churches at the base, an event attended and publicly supported by Kazaryan. The Moscow House is funded by the Russian government and is considered a tool for Russian influence in the region.

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The 102nd military base is also accused of interfering in Armenian elections. Armenian citizens working at the base report being pressured to vote for specific political parties. These individuals, who spoke anonymously due to fear of retaliation, claimed they were threatened with losing their jobs if they did not comply.

The report further alleges that the Russian command requires these workers to pressure their families and friends to vote in the same way. Such actions would violate several articles of Armenia's Electoral, Administrative, and Criminal codes regarding voter intimidation and the misuse of authority.

Previously, Azerbaijan introduced Turkish-made missile-armed naval drones into the Caspian Sea amid growing security tensions and increasingly strained relations with Russia and Iran. The move was viewed as part of Baku’s broader effort to diversify its defense partnerships and reduce reliance on Moscow.

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