THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Armenia Prime minister refuses Moscow's pressure for EU referendum Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan rejected on Monday Russian leader Vladimir Putin's call for Yerevan to hold a referendum on joining the EU. This pressure from Moscow comes a week before a parliamentary vote, on June 7th.

Armenia, wedged between east and west, plays footsie with Europe G eographically and geopolitically at a crossroads, Armenia , the small encircled country in the south Caucasus that has for years been so close to Moscow, is playing footsie with Europe. But recent history shows how pulling away from Russia ’s orbit can be a risky game – look at Ukraine . The Kremlin has put resources behind an effort to influence parliamentary elections taking place next month, warning Armenians against continuing down a path that would bring them closer to the West. Armenia’s prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, looks likely to defeat pro-Russian parties and return for another term. READ MORE Welcome to the new Global Briefing newsletter A 1991 Simpsons episode remains deft reflection of US politics as America marks 250 years Chinese Communist Party may be set for a dramatic transformation but Xi’s grip on power as strong as ever Can Friedrich Merz really fix Germany? The stakes are high. The country of about three million people is wedged between its old enemies, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Armenia and Azerbaijan have at several points in the last three decades fought for control of the mountainous Nagor…

Russia says Armenia's EU course and 'Trump Route' project must account ... Russia says Armenia's EU course and 'Trump Route' project must account for Moscow's interests 29 June 2026 17:23 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has criticized Armenia's pursuit of European Union integration while remaining a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), arguing that Yerevan cannot simultaneously benefit from both integration paths, AzerNEWS reports. According to Galuzin, it is unacceptable for Armenia to enshrine EU integration as a legislative objective while continuing to enjoy the economic advantages provided by EAEU membership. Commenting on the proposed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, Galuzin said Russia's participation would only strengthen the initiative. He noted that the planned transport corridor is expected to be constructed using the Russian railway gauge to ensure uninterrupted rail connectivity with Azerbaijan. Galuzin also recalled that Armenia's railway network is operated by South Caucasus Railway CJSC, a subsidiary of Russian Railways. The deputy foreign minister stressed tha…

Russia has been very clear it will punish Armenia further when it seeks EU membership in exchange for leaving the Eurasian Economic Union. Ahead of the elections, Russian authorities have sent an "inspection" team to verify quality of products, and it has imposed trade sanctions thereof.

Russia escalates pressure on Pashinyan ahead of Armenia’s crucial parliamentary elections eualive.net/russia-escal... As Yerevan deepens ties with the EU, Moscow recalls its ambassador, issues stark economic warnings, and frames the June 7 vote as a stark choice between East and West

Russia's economic pressure ahead of Armenia's elections: what to expect 05 June, 17:23 Russia’s economic pressure ahead of Armenia's elections: what to expect Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participate in a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on April 1, 2026. Sputnik By Gevorg Tosunyan Russia has begun applying economic pressure on Armenia by gradually restricting Armenian products from entering its market, despite both countries being members of the same economic space — the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). At the end of April, Russia’s consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, claimed to have identified problems with Jermuk mineral water and restricted its imports. Later, restrictions expanded to Armenian agricultural products, flowers, alcoholic beverages, and other goods. Experts argue that these punitive measures are linked to Armenia’s parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7 and are intended to influence Armenian voters in favor of pro-Russian candidates. “At least a 14% decline in GDP,” “sharp increases in energy prices,” and “strict control over infrastructure” — these are among the warnings Russian officials have…

Armenia to quit Russia's military alliance amid split with Putin YEREVAN, Armenia — Armenia will formally withdraw from its military alliance with Moscow, the country’s prime minister announced Wednesday, as tensions grow with Russia. Nikol Pashinyan declared in parliament that “we will leave” the Kremlin’s Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and that “we will decide the timing of our exit.” “It turned out that the members of the alliance are not fulfilling their contractual obligations, but are planning a war against us with Azerbaijan,” he said. Advertisement The military bloc — Russia’s answer to NATO — is made up of six former Soviet states: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. However, Pashinyan has accused the CSTO of failing to intervene after his country was attacked by neighboring Azerbaijan in 2022. He has also said Russian peacekeepers failed in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year, when Azerbaijan launched an offensive that sparked the mass exodus of its 100,000 ethnic Armenian residents. As a result, Armenia had vowed it would “freeze” its membership of the alliance, recall its representatives and would not contrib…

EAEU won’t abide Armenia’s freeloading position over EU bids — Russian MFA The republic's leadership is trying to convince its fellow citizens that there is no need to choose between the EU and the EAEU, Maria Zakharova noted

EAEU not against Armenia, its desire to join EU worries — Russian deputy PM Alexey Overchuk says the EU "has transformed into a military-political alliance"

Armenia rejects Putin's pressure for EU referendum - The Economic Times Reuters Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Yerevan: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Monday rebuffed Moscow's call for his country to hold a referendum on joining the EU, saying ties with Russia were in a "transformation phase." The Kremlin has upped pressure on Armenia over its rapprochement with Brussels ahead of weekend elections, banning fish imports from Monday in a move that came after Putin warned that the "Ukrainian scenario" began with Kyiv's EU ambitions. The EU, meanwhile, accused Russia of trying to "hurt Armenia's economy and influence the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Armenia." An ex-Soviet republic, Armenia has been closely allied with Russia for decades. But frustrated that Moscow did not protect it in conflicts with neighbouring Azerbaijan, Yerevan has in recent years looked for other allies. Also Read: Armenia turns to India for weapons to counter Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Türkiye defence nexus, orders $2 billion systems Live Events This has triggered anger in the Kremlin. "Our relations with Russia are in a transformation phase," Pashinyan said in a video on social …

Armenian PM Pashinyan rejects Russia's demand for referendum on ... There are no grounds at present for holding a referendum in Armenia on whether to remain in theEurasian Economic Unionor pursue membership in the European Union, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said. Armenia will continue operating within the Eurasian Economic Union “as long as the choice between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union does not become unavoidable,” Pashinyansaid, adding that any such decision ultimately belongs to the Armenian people. Until Armenia formally applies for European Union membership or nears candidate status, holding a referendum on the question would be illogical, Pashinyan said. The choice remains theoretical, and putting a theoretical choice to a referendum was neither reasonable nor appropriate and had no basis. Pashinyan said Armenia would work “calmly, peacefully, without nerves, without disputes within the Eurasian Economic Union.” At the end of May, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan issued a joint statement calling on Armenia to hold a referendum and decide whether it will remain in the Eurasian Economic Union or continue pursuing EU membe…

Putin's warning to Armenia: Russia or the European Union Armenia is under pressure from Russia. President Nikol Pashinyan has been openly pursuing a strategy of "diversification" - forging ties with both Russia and the West. But his aspirations for the country to join the EU are unacceptable to President Vladimir Putin, and The Eurasian Economic Union, led by Moscow, has threatened to suspend Armenia. The group has called on Yerevan to hold a popular referendum to choose between it and the EU, with Putin saying it was "impossible to reconcile the two". Details by Eliza Herbert.

Armenia PM Rejects Russian Pressure for EU Referendum Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Monday rejected Russian leader Vladimir Putin's call for Yerevan to hold a referendum on joining the EU, amid pressure from Moscow a week before a parliamentary vote. Armenia has in recent years looked for other allies, frustrated that Moscow did not protect it in a dispute with neighboring Azerbaijan. Its attitude has angered the Kremlin. Putin last week criticized Armenia's rapprochement with the European Union and called for a referendum "as soon as possible", saying membership of both the EU and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) was impossible to reconcile. Pashinyan said in a video address on Facebook that "holding a referendum is illogical" until the choice between the two blocs "becomes inevitable, until Armenia has officially applied to the EU for membership or has come close to receiving candidate status." On Saturday, Moscow recalled its ambassador to Armenia for "consultations" over Yerevan's growing EU ties. Putin said the previous day that the "Ukrainian scenario" began with Kyiv trying to join the EU, warning Armenia against pivoting toward Brussels. Pashinyan …

Armenia sets condition of quitting Russia-led alliance | RBC-Ukraine Armenia threatens to walk away from Russia-led bloc, sets condition Sat, April 04, 2026 - 17:00 2 min Yerevan warns of tough response if Moscow raises Russian gas prices Dariia Yankovska A national flag of Armenia (photo: Getty Images) Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan said Yerevan could decide to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) if Russia raises gas prices for the country, NEWS.am reports. Read also: South Caucasus slipping from Russia's hands thanks to 'Trump route' According to the outlet, Simonyan made the remarks on April 4 during a briefing ahead of an extraordinary meeting of the Civil Contract party, commenting on the meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The speaker said such discussions between the sides are not new, noting that issues such as gas prices and other goods have been under discussion for many years. Simonyan said that if a relevant decision is made, Armenia "will make its decision" and withdraw from both the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union. At the same time, he…

#Armenia Is Breaking Up With Russia – And Putin Can’t Stop It ● Re-up my @themoscowtimes.com Op-Ed from last year as Armenia heads to the polls. With voters set to deepen ties with the EU and further distance from Russia, the piece feels more relevant www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/09/a...

Armenian authorities artificially forcing country to choose between EU, EAEU — Kremlin At the same time, Dmitry Peskov recalled that Russia is also well aware of Armenia’s position on the CSTO

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…

So Russia threatens Armenia because they seek better relations with the EU. And then this: “Yerevan froze its membership in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 2024, saying that in not defending Armenia from Azerbaijan, www.dw.com/en/russia-re...

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…

After Armenian voters rejected pro Moscow party in recent election, Putin imposed trade embargoes to Punish Armenians for their temerity. EU is stepping in to help with trade - eg flowers. www.ft.com/content/82c8...

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…

Armenia’s choice between EU, EAEU reaches critical point — Lavrov The foreign minister echoed rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian government officials, saying that Armenia will have to make a choice, and do so fast

Armenia rejects Putin's EU referendum demand Armenia rejects Putin’s EU referendum demand June 1, 2026 1:08 pm In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Moscow-installed head of the Donetsk region, Russian-controlled Ukraine, at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 10, 2026. (Photo by Gavriil Grigorov / POOL / AFP) By Tosin Oyediran Kindly share this story: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Monday rebuffed Moscow’s call for his country to hold a referendum on joining the EU, saying ties with Russia were in a “transformation phase.” The Kremlin has upped pressure on Armenia over its rapprochement with Brussels ahead of weekend elections, banning fish imports from Monday in a move that came after Putin warned that the “Ukrainian scenario” began with Kyiv’s EU ambitions. The EU, meanwhile, accused Russia of trying to “hurt Armenia’s economy and influence the outcome of the parliamentary elections in Armenia.” An ex-Soviet republic, Armenia has been closely allied with Russia for decades. But frustrated that Moscow did not protect it in conflicts with neighbouring Azerbaijan, Yerevan has in rece…

Russian diplomat rules out funding Armenia’s EU accession journey Maria Zakharova emphasized that Armenia would not be able to have it both ways, without choosing between the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union

Armenia's Pro-Western Preferences and the Crisis of Partnership with ... Eka Javakhishvili, International Security Expert Over the past five years, the developments in the South Caucasus have significantly weakened Russia’s traditional influence in the region. Following the second Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020, Armenia experienced acute disappointment in Russia as a security guarantor and strategic partner. September 2023 turned out to be a turning point when Russian peacekeepers did not intervene in the military operation of Azerbaijan, which ended with the liquidation of the Karabakh enclave. After that, Russia gradually lost its role as a mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the spring of 2024, the Russian peacekeepers left the region ahead of schedule, which was a clear sign that the Kremlin had lost control of the situation. Peace talks between the conflicting parties continued without Moscow’s involvement and culminated in a historic peace agreement signed in Washington, putting an end to Russia’s ambition to play the role of the main mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the same time, it should be noted that Russia has been waging a large-scale war against Ukr…

Armenian PM rejects Russia’s demand for EU referendum as relations nosedive Russia is raising the pressure on Armenia as traditional ally looks to the West.

Armenia Moves Toward Europe While Still Dependent on Russia 01.28.2025Onnik James Krikorian Executive Summary: On January 9, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced his intention to seek EU membership following a public mobilization by extra-parliamentary political forces in support of holding a referendum on such a shift in policy. Although the petition garnered only 60,000 signatures, the Armenian parliament will vote on a corresponding bill (ArmenPress, January 9). The decision marks a further departure from the country’s traditional reliance on Russia that it has held since independence was declared in 1991. Many challenges exist and any path to change the situation is fraught with risks and complications. Armenia’s foreign policy has significantly relied on its strategic relationship with Russia, particularly in the areas of defense, energy, and trade. The Russian Federation has also long been Armenia’s principal ally. In the years following Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, however, Pashinyan has attempted to recalibrate Armenia’s foreign policy by diversifying its international relationships, particularly with the European Union and the United States.…

Russian MFA: Armenia's interest in EU membership causes concern Yerevan /Mediamax/. Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of European Affairs, Vladislav Maslennikov, stated that “the Armenian leadership is clearly signaling its interest in maximum rapprochement with the European Union.” “Russia respects the sovereign right of other states to participate in integration associations, and even more so their desire to gain additional opportunities for economic development and improving the welfare of their populations. However, in the context of Brussels’ strategic course of confrontation with Russia and the rapid transformation of the EU into an aggressive military-political bloc, Armenia’s interest in joining this organization cannot but cause concern,” the Russian diplomat said in an interview with TASS. “We hope that Armenia, as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, will realize the potential negative consequences of forced rapprochement with Brussels, both for our allied relations and for the development of integration processes in the post-Soviet space. The fact remains that simultaneous membership in the EAEU and the EU is impossible by definition. Brussels i…

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…

Russia says Armenia's EU aspirations Could Harm Ties and Post-Soviet ... Russia has warned that Armenia’s closer alignment with the European Union could have negative consequences for its allied relations with Moscow and for integration processes across the post-Soviet space. In an interview with TASS, Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for European Affairs, said that Yerevan’s interest in EU membership raises serious concerns, given what he described as the EU’s rapid transformation into an “aggressive military-political bloc” and its strategic course of confrontation with Russia. “Armenia’s interest in joining this organization cannot but cause concern,” Maslennikov said, referring to the EU’s current trajectory. He expressed hope that Armenia, as a member state of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), would recognize the potential negative impact of accelerated rapprochement with Brussels both on its allied relations with Russia and on the broader development of integration processes in the post-Soviet region. At the same time, Maslennikov noted that Russia respects the sovereign right of other countries to participate in integration asso…

EU tells Armenia ‘you can count on us’ as Russia keeps up economic pressure The European Union pledged an additional €18 million in economic support for Armenia on Thursday and liberalized some export rules for its goods as Brussels seeks to shore up support for the South Caucasus country amid Russian trade pressure.Moscow imposed wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia in the lead-up to a parliamentary election in June, which saw the incumbent Civil Contract party clinch 49.8 percent of the votes.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Russia accused the West of interfering in the vote, and joined Armenia’s opposition in alleging election violations.The restrictions from Moscow — imposed as Armenia has sought closer ties to the West and membership of the EU — have hit many key Armenian exports, including fresh produce, flowers, fish and alcoholic products.Armenia is a member of a Russian-led economic union, and Moscow accounted for about 35 percent of Armenia’s foreign trade last year, compared with 11 percent for

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…

Putin warns Armenia it can't be in both the EU and the Eurasian ... Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan greet each other during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov, Pool) Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan talk during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov, Pool) Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, speaks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Kremlin in Moscow, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov, Pool) Russian President Vladimir Putin, center right, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, center left, hold talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Wednesday, April 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov, Pool) MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned Armenia, which aspires to join the European Union, that it won’t be able to be part of both the EU and a Moscow-led economic alliance. Armenia, which signed aU.S.-brokered agreementlast year ending decades of hostilities with Azerbaijan, has increasingly sou…

Russia deputy FM clarifies expectations from referendum in ... Armenia 15:58 | 29 June, 2026 Russia deputy FM clarifies expectations from referendum in Armenia listen article make preferable For EAEU members, “the situation is unacceptable” when Armenia enshrines in its legislation its intention to join the EU, “while continuing to enjoy all the benefits and advantages of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.” In this regard, Moscow “does not quite understand” why the Armenian leadership is in no hurry to hold a referendum on joining these unions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said. “As you know, during the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Astana on May 29, the leaders of all four states I mentioned expressed concern about the risks threatening the economic security of the Eurasian Economic Union member states; in particular, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus,” Mikhail Galuzin said in a special interview with RTVI television. According to him, by December, “experts will study both the economic and legal aspects of the consequences of a possible termination of Armenia’s participation in the EAEU.” The Russian deputy foreign mi…

Russia ramps up pressure on Armenia ahead of Sunday's crucial election Russia has increased its pressure on Armenia ahead of Sunday’s parliamentary elections, pulling out virtually all the stops linked to trade should its long-term ally persist in its ambitions to join the European Union. Moscow has threatened to raise gas prices, put measures in place to be able to restrict the Russian import of certain Armenian products and warned it may suspend the country from the Eurasian Economic Union.

We need to take this threat very seriously for what it truly is: Russia threatens war on Armenia. "Russia recalls Armenia ambassador over EU ties The recall comes a day after Putin warned Armenia against seeking EU membership and alluded to the "Ukrainian scenario."" www.dw.com/en/russia-re...

Armenia Navigates a Path Away From Russia Maja Hitij / Getty Images A successful peace agreement with Azerbaijan would mean Armenia would have more options and would be able to lessen its historical dependence on Russia and pursue a stronger partnership with the West. A continuation of the status quo gives Russia more opportunities to reapply its traditional levers of control. In a process that began in 2018 and accelerated in 2022, relations between Armenia and Russia have begun to break down. Formal institutional relations remain in place and high-level contacts continue. The economic relationship has become stronger since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, this cannot conceal the fact that the Armenian public’s confidence in Russia has collapsed and that the Armenian government, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on Russia. Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have thus far refrained from personal criticism of one another, and when they meet they still—in public at least—speak the language of partnership. Other Russian officials are more blunt. Some Russian commentators havewarned Armeniaof the consequence…

EU tells Armenia 'you can count on us' as Russia keeps up economic pressure <p>July 2 (Reuters) - The European Union pledged an additional €18 million in economic support for Armenia on Thursday and liberalised some export rules for its goods as Brussels seeks to shore up support for the South Caucasus country amid Russian trade pressure.</p><p>Moscow imposed wide-ranging trade restrictions on Armenia in the lead-up to a parliamentary election in June, which saw the incumbent Civil Contract party clinch 49.8% of the votes.</p><p>Russia accused the West of interfering in the vote, and joined Armenia's opposition in alleging election violations.</p>

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…

Russian-led bloc warns Armenia over EU bid, urges referendum A Russian-led economic alliance of former Soviet states said Friday it could suspend Armenia if it continues pursuing European Union membership, urging Yerevan to hold a referendum...

Eurasia's EU dream now comes with an anti-Russian price tag As Yerevan weighs Russia against Europe, the real question is whether the "European path" exists at all The final results of Armenia's parliamentary elections are due to be announced this weekend. Vaagn Hovakimyan, head of the country's Central Election Commission, has said ballots will be recounted until Friday, after which complaints and appeals will be considered. The official results are expected on Sunday and those who reject the outcome will then have one day, June 19, to appeal to the Constitutional Court. "Further action will then be dictated by the court," Hovakimyan said. Narek Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia electoral list, has said his movement will decide on its next steps once it is clear whether another opposition force, Prosperous Armenia, led by businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, has entered parliament. At present, it appears to have fallen short of the 4% threshold. The opposition Armenia bloc has already said it is ready to challenge the result. The vote brought to a close a peculiar election campaign. Its oddity didn't lie in the use of administrative resources, including pressure on opponents, nor i…