Armenia's parliament votes to join the International Criminal Court, straining ties with ally Russia

Moscow last month called Yerevan’s effort to join the ICC an “unfriendly step.”

Armenia's Parliament voted on Tuesday to join the International Criminal Court, a move that further strains the country's ties with its old ally Russia after the court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin over events in Ukraine.

Moscow last month called Yerevan's effort to join the ICC an “unfriendly step," and the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Armenia's ambassador.

Countries that have signed and ratified the Rome Statute that created the ICC are bound to arrest Mr. Putin, who was indicted for war crimes connected to the deportation of children from Ukraine, if he sets foot on their soil.

Armenia later sought to assure Russia that Mr. Putin would not be arrested if he entered the country.

Still, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on Tuesday's decision “incorrect,” saying it will raise “additional questions” in Moscow, even though Armenia is “our ally, a friendly state, our partner, and a lot unites us with the brotherly Armenian people.” Asked if Mr. Putin would have to refrain from travelling to Armenia, he added: “Of course, we wouldn't want the President to have to ever, for whatever reason, refuse a visit to Armenia.” A diplomatic solution is needed and will be discussed with Yerevan, he said.

Armenian officials have argued the move has nothing to do with Russia and was prompted by what they call Azerbaijan's aggression against the country.

Lawmakers voted to ratify the Rome Statute by a vote of 60-22. The decision after that is to be submitted to Armenia's president, who must prepare a ratification document, which is then deposited with the UN secretary-general.