Armenia Defies Russia, Joins International Criminal Court

Armenia's parliament has voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that strains its ties with Russia after the court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over events in Ukraine. Russia has called Armenia's effort to join the ICC an "unfriendly step." The ratification of the Rome Statute by Armenia would bind countries to arrest Putin for war crimes if he sets foot on their soil. Armenia's decision is seen as a response to Azerbaijan's aggression against the country. Relations between Armenia and Russia have deteriorated, with Moscow blaming Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for damaging ties by embracing the West. It remains uncertain whether Armenia will withdraw from Russia-dominated alliances.