American critics and Turkish propagandists continue to criticize the Russian troop presence in Armenia, claiming it as evidence that Armenia is a Russian satrapy and hostile to Western interests.
This argument is false and ignorant of history. The Red Army established a military base in Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city, at the end of World War II.
The Soviet Union shared borders with NATO in two areas, including the border between Soviet Armenia and Nakhchivan with Turkey.
Author's summary: Russian troop presence in Armenia is not a sign of Russian control.