Turkey, Armenia, and the Southern Frontier

Turkey remained neutral for most of World War II, although it maintained complex diplomatic and economic relationships with the belligerent powers.

Turkey declared war on Germany and Japan in February 1945, shortly before the creation of the United Nations.

During the war, the Soviet Union maintained forces along its southern borders.

For Soviet Armenia, the Turkish frontier was strategically sensitive.

Memories of the Armenian Genocide, the wars of 1918–1920, and the loss of historical Armenian territories remained influential in Armenian society.

Soviet authorities also considered the possibility of military developments involving Turkey.

After the war, the Soviet Union advanced territorial claims against Turkey, including claims involving Kars and Ardahan.

These demands were part of the emerging postwar confrontation between the Soviet Union and Western powers.

They did not result in the transfer of those territories to Soviet Armenia.

The issue demonstrates how Armenian historical aspirations became intertwined with Soviet strategic policy.