There are no more old trolleybuses in Yerevan. 45 new trolleybuses entered the route

There are no more old trolleybuses in Yerevan. Starting today, June 3, 45 new trolleybuses have been put on the route to serve the existing destinations, with some modified final trains. Yerevan Municipality informs about this.

About the changes in the directions, see below.

T 1 Labor square – intersection of Jrvezhi – Dzoraghbyuri – Voghdaberd
Urgent work – Bagratunyats – G. Nzhdehi – streets – Arshakunyats st. – G. Lusavorc str. – Mashtots Ave. – Koryun – Abovyan St. – Myasnikyan – Gai St. – Tevosyan St. – Summer houses of Dzoraghbyur (crossroads of Dzoraghbyur – Voghjaberdi – Jrvezhi) /v.k/.
Return along the same route to Myasnikyan St., then Heratsi – Koryun St. – Mashtots St. – Gr. Lusavorc St. – Arshakunyats St. – Labor square.

T 2 Aeration – Erebuni massif – Nubarashen
Aeration /s.k./ – Shirak 5th lane – Shirak – Artashisyan – Chekhovi – Bagratunyats st. – Arshakunyats st. – Agatanghegosi str. – T.Metsi – Artsakh St. – Erebuni St. – “Erebuni” Museum – Aivazovsky – Titogradyan – Pakhich Don St. – Nubarashen Highway – Nubarashen 6th, 10th, 9th, 11th Sts.
Returning along the same route to Arshakunyats St., then to G. Nzhdehi St. – G. Nzhdehi Square – Bagratunyats St. – continuation along the same route.

T 3 15th district – “Erebuni” airport
15th district: Beknazaryan – Fuchiki intersection / Beknazaryan – Mazmanyan – Shirazi – G. Hasratyan – Sebastia – Bagratunyats St. – G. Nzhdehi Square – Bagratunats St. – Arshakunyats Ave. – “Erebuni” airport /v.k./.
Return along the same route to the intersection of Mazmanyan – Shiraz, then along the streets of G. Chaushi – Melkumov – the intersection of Beknazaryan – Fuchik.

T 4 Avan – Komitas St. – railway station
Avan: N. Safaryan – Tamruchi crossroad /s.k./ – Tamruchi – Babajanyan – Acharyan – Rubinyants – Davit Anhaghti St. – Komitas St. – Vazgen First Vehapar St. – M. Baghramyan – Sayat-Nova St. – Khanjyan St. – Tigran Mets St. – railway station /v.k./
Return: Tigran Mets St. – Agatanghegosi St. – G. Lusavorich St. – Mashtots St. – Moskovyan st. -Marshal Baghramyan Ave. – and along the same route to Babajanyan – Nver Safaryan streets, to the intersection of Tamruch

T 5 5th block of Nor Nork – “Berekamutyun” m/c – Davtashen district
5th block of Nor Nork – B. Muradyan st. – Gai p. – Rubinyants – D. Anhaght st. – Komitas st. – Vazgen First St. – Kievyan – Halabyan St. – Yeghvardi Highway – Tigran Petrosyan St. – 4th district of Davtashen /v.k./
Returning along the same route to Gai St., then Tevosyan – Galshoyan – Mikoyan – B. Muradyan St. – 5th mass of Nor Nork.

The RA MFA official’s “debate” was simply a disgrace

The RA MFA official’s “debate” was simply a disgrace. 


Emptiness, storytelling filled with lies and falsehoods, inadequate and frivolous speech in relation to threats and challenges.


No question was given a reasoned and substantial answer.


It became clear that there is no foreign policy agenda.


They have no national security strategy.


They have no foreign policy principles and priorities.


They have no basic understanding of upcoming regional and global developments.


He was not even aware of what the main threats were fixed in the report of the RA National Security Agency.


There was no articulate explanation of security and peace, external and internal safeguards, and other vital components of security.


Not a word about energy, food, communication, information and economic security.


The answers and questions of the RA MFA “head” testify to the complete lack of strategic thinking of the current managers.


P.S.


Charles Maurice de Talleyrand once said, “Betrayal is only a matter of time.”


When the CP came to power, it seemed to many that they would be better off.


Some time passed. Nikol’s government betrayed the revolution, Artsakh, national values, democracy, and the Diaspora…


Armenia’s turn has come. Now they talk about peace and Armenia with fervent enthusiasm. And if they are re-elected, they will destroy Armenia as well.


RPA GM member Artak Zakaryan




The Prosecutor General canceled the decision made in the case of the murder of Artsrun Margaryan

On May 27, 2026, General Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan canceled the decisions of September 20, 1999 to stop the criminal prosecution against Arsen Khachatryan and Armen Khachatryan, the bodyguards of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and National Security of the RA, to cancel the restraining order against them and to terminate the proceedings of the criminal case regarding the murder of Artsrun Margaryan. RA General Prosecutor’s Office informs about it.


“The decisions were canceled on the basis of the newly revealed circumstances and the results of the proceedings carried out in the Investigative Committee.


Let’s remind that in 1999, during the preliminary investigation, Arsen and Armen Khachatryan, the bodyguards of Artsrun Margaryan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and National Security of RA, were charged with the murder of Artsrun Margaryan. Later, however, the preliminary investigation body came to the conclusion that they did not commit any crime, and Artsrun Margaryan, according to the version of the previous investigation, committed suicide after attempting to kill his bodyguards. On that basis, the criminal prosecution was stopped, and the proceedings of the criminal case regarding the murder were terminated.


As part of the new criminal proceedings initiated in 2025, the materials of the criminal case were studied, additional investigative actions were carried out and a forensic commission examination was appointed.


According to the conclusion of the new forensic medical examination received on March 31, 2026, it was recorded that as a result of the severe gunshot wound in the chest region of Artsrun Margaryan, his mobility would be sharply limited, and he would not be able to perform any purposeful and coordinated action in practice after a short time. According to the conclusion of the examination, in the conditions of such an injury, it was practically impossible that Artsrun Margaryan could independently point the weapon to the head and fire a fatal shot.


Taking into account that the study of the newly emerged circumstances yielded data, according to which Artsrun Margaryan could not perform such actions that would be necessary for suicide after the gunshot wound he received in the chest area, RA General Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan canceled the relevant decisions of September 20, 1999.


The preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings is in progress,” the message states.

Zakharova RA compared to a person who wants to change the direction of the flight in the plane

Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, sarcastically commented on Armenia’s desire to develop relations with the European Union while maintaining the membership of the Eurasian Economic Union.


On the air of the Sputnik radio station, he compared that situation to a passenger who, after registering for one flight, suddenly announces that he intends to fly in a completely different direction.


“Imagine an airport, a waiting room, a connecting flight. The passengers went through all the necessary procedures: examination, border and customs inspection. And here boarding is announced, and one of the passengers says: you know, I don’t need point B, but probably closer to point C,” said Zakharova.


According to him, it is no longer about the attempt to “sit on two chairs”, but about the desire to combine mutually exclusive directions of integration.


Zakharova emphasized that changing the course of foreign policy is the sovereign right of any state, but specific procedures and mechanisms exist for this.


“If you want to get to point B from point B, it’s possible, it’s called transit. But it has its own logic. When you sign up for Point B, you arrive there, say goodbye to everyone, and move on. It is an open choice. If you want to change your choice, please, there is a civilized way for that,” explained the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Relations with Russia are spoiling, they will not be able to open the market for 10 years And

I have said that I will not trade my homeland for property, said PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan during a meeting with citizens in the framework of the pre-election campaign, referring to the situation surrounding Ararat Cement.


According to him, it is unacceptable to spoil relations with Russia. “So many people work in Rusatsan and send rubbers. They will not be able to open a market with Europe for 10 years. How many years has Turkey been unable to open? This nation is going bankrupt.


I am sure that relations with Russia can be settled in a very short time,” he added.


***


The PAP leader also published a report on the recent regional meetings on his Facebook page and wrote:


“The last regional meetings of the campaign were held in Masis, Artashat and Ararat communities of Ararat region. During this time, I had the opportunity to meet and communicate directly with thousands of our compatriots, I visited different communities of Armenia: large and small, near and far, border and central. People’s warm attitude and support is the greatest appreciation for me. It is the result of trust formed over the years, which not only obliges, but also gives strength to continue the work started.


My goal has always been the same: a prosperous Armenia and a dignified life for all of us. I am sure that only with internal solidarity, mutual respect and unity we can overcome the difficulties and build the Armenia we dream of.”


Details in the video

Pashinyan Calls Erdogan as Official Ankara Again Cites ‘Zangezur Corridor’

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan meets with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Jun. 20, 2025


Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erodgan of Turkey on Tuesday, when reportedly they discussed bilateral relations.

The call was initiated by Pashinyan, whose office said the prime minister conveyed his congratulations on the Muslim Eid holiday. Erdogan, in turn, reportedly congratulated Pashinyan on his 51st birthday.

According to a statement from Pashinyan’s office, the two also exchanged views on matters related to Armenia-Turkey relations and “commended the growing intensity of contacts between the two countries.”

In particular, they highlighted the recent visit of Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to Armenia to participate in the European Political Community Summit last month. They also touched on the decision to establish procedures for direct trade between Turkey and Armenia, and the opening of the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway for exports from Armenia and imports into the country.

A similar statement was issued by Erdogan’s office.

As the Turkish and Armenian leaders seemingly extended niceties to one another, another Turkish official insisted on advancing the issue of the so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” an Azerbaijani ploy to create a road through Armenia to Nakhichevan. Baku essentially got its wish with the signing of the Trump Road for International Peace and Prosperity, which is being touted as the cure-all for the region’s challenges.

According to Turkey’s Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Ankara has demonstrated “political will” for the implementation of what he called the “Zangezur Corridor.”

“After the agreement between the U.S. and Azerbaijan, we expect to start the project as soon as possible. Thus, the Turkic world and Central Asia will be connected to us via a shorter route,” Uraloglu said.

He said the tender for the construction of the 224-kilometer Kars-Igdir-Aralik-Dilucu railway in Turkey has already been held, and work has begun.

Uraloglu added that the work on the Azerbaijani side is nearing completion, while the missing sections in Nakhchivan are expected to be built.

“We are also following the processes related to the ‘Zangezur Corridor’ through Armenia. When this railway is operational, we will have a much shorter connection with the Turkic world and Central Asia,” the Turkish official added.

Armenia’s Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Minister Davit Khudatyan participated in the official opening ceremony of the full operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway in Akhalkalaki, Georgia on Tuesday.

In a social media post, Khudatyan said that the event was also attended by Uraloglu and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, with who the Armenian minister had a brief interaction.

Simultaneously, a group of Armenian business leaders crossed the border to Turkey and attended a conference in Kars to discuss further cooperation between Armenia and Turkey.

He said, “I will cut your throat” and hit him. CP members beat the citizen (see:

At around 20:00 yesterday evening in Artik, right in front of the community hall building, members of the CP, including the deputy candidate and his son, brutally beat Robert Kocharyan’s supporter Hakob Harutyunyan.


In a conversation with “Hraparak”, Hakob Harutyunyan mentioned: “I was sitting in my car. The car was parked in a visible place. Artak Grigoryan, who works in the community hall as the head of the advertising department, leaves the community hall with his family. His wife, Zhanna Asatryan, who is a candidate on the CP list, and his son, Sipan Grigoryan, were with him. I didn’t do anything, the boy came, he told me: come out, there is something to talk about, I said: I know you, you are the son of such a person, what happened? He was in a drunken state, he said, “If I don’t even see you look at my family like that, I will cut your throat” and hit him. At that moment, about 40 people from the CP office gathered and started beating him. Artur Aprikyan was also present. I cannot claim, but I do not rule out that the reason for this attack is my political views and my previous conversation with Nikol Pashinyan.”


Harutyunyan mentioned that he never hit the CP members, he was the only victim of the incident. “I was taken to the hospital after the incident. They put a stitch in the upper part of my eye, my whole face is disfigured, the area under my eye is bruised. I didn’t even manage to call the police, I went to the hospital, they came after me. A case has been opened, I’m waiting for them to be called by the Investigation Department.”


By the way, the daughter of CP candidate Zhanna Asatryan, Lilit Grigoryan, is the secretary of the Electoral Precinct Election Commission. Hakob Harutyunyan mentioned that Lilit Grigoryan is participating in an active campaign, which she does not have the right to in her position. “The chairman of the same commission is my wife, Nvard Ghukasyan, in the case of a violation committed by Lilit Grigoryan, she applied to the CEC to be deprived of accreditation, and tonight a CEC meeting will take place in this case,” he said.


According to our information, Artur Aprikyan, who witnessed the beating and maybe also participated, is an employee of the Shirak regional administration, a student of Suren Papikyan, Hayk Konjoryan’s godson.


Let’s remind that a few days ago, Hakob Harutyunyan approached Nikol Pashinyan, accused him of targeting the church and the Catholicos, emphasized that the Catholicos is not his minister, whom he can fire.

[SEE VIDEO]

Haigazian University Baccalaureate Service Honors Class of 2026

Dr. Nicolas Abou Mrad Reflects on the Enduring Call to Peace

BY MIRA YARDEMIAN

“To honor the image of God in humanity is to choose responsibility over destruction, order over chaos, and reverence for life over the normalization of violence,” affirmed Dr. Nicolas Abou Mrad, Professor of Biblical Studies, independent researcher, and author, in his address to Haigazian University’s Class of 2026.

Dr. Abou Mrad delivered the keynote message during the University’s Baccalaureate Service, held on Sunday, May 31 at the First Armenian Evangelical Church adjacent to the University campus. The service brought together graduating students, faculty, staff, family members, and friends in a sanctuary filled to capacity for this solemn occasion of thanksgiving, reflection, and dedication.

In his keynote address, entitled “Peace I Leave with You,” Dr. Abou Mrad underscored the urgent need for societies to cultivate not merely skilled professionals, but individuals endowed with wisdom, discernment, and moral responsibility. Drawing upon the biblical understanding of peace, he emphasized that genuine peace does not eliminate differences; rather, it equips individuals and communities to engage differences constructively, humanely, and with mutual respect.

Calling upon graduates to resist cynicism and despair, Dr. Abou Mrad urged them to commit themselves to the building of societies grounded in truth, the protection of human dignity, and the pursuit of peace. “Peace is sustained not by passivity, but by moral courage and disciplined restraint,” he remarked. Expanding on this theme, he added, “To honor the image of God in humanity is to choose responsibility over destruction, order over chaos, and reverence for life over the normalization of violence.

Addressing the graduates, Haigazian University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian highlighted the importance of cultivating what he described as “the gratitude of the heart.”

“In an age increasingly preoccupied with self-image, achievement, and self-definition,” he observed, “we risk overlooking the deeper reality: the image of a loving, creative, faithful, and comforting God.” He further noted that contemporary society is marked by growing anxiety and uncertainty, and suggested gratitude as one of the most profound antidotes. “One of the most effective remedies for anxiety is gratitude—gratitude toward God, expressed also through thankfulness to others,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of graduation, Dr. Haidostian acknowledged the value of academic accomplishments and the recognition they merit. Yet, he reminded graduates that lasting significance requires a deeper foundation: “No degree, salary, title, or distinction is ultimately as valuable as a heart that carries and spreads gratitude.”

The service was enriched by the active participation of graduating students. Sandra Siwahji, Jeanne d’Arc Davoulbeyukian, and Sergio Ayoub offered readings from the Old and New Testaments, while Iman Del Valle Bonji reflected on her years at Haigazian University. Musical selections included a rendition of “The Prayer” by Arman Der Bedrossian, accompanied by John Beylerian on percussion, Narek Karapetyan on saxophone, and Marc Gulgulian on piano.

Arenie Pioni Akrian and Karim Hariri led the graduates in the traditional pledge, declaring:
“We, the Class of 2026 of Haigazian University, in receiving this light, pledge to hold high the light of truth, to defend the light of freedom, and to spread the light of service to our communities, our country, and our world. With truth, freedom, and service illuminating our hearts, we will challenge each other and our world to uphold the worth of every human being, and we will strive for the betterment of society, knowing that this is pleasing to God.”

The service also featured the Call to Worship and the Benediction offered by Rev. Wilbert Van Saane, Campus Minister of Haigazian University.
The ceremony concluded with the Class of 2026 processing from the sanctuary, each graduate carrying a symbolic light representing truth, freedom, and service. The graduates then gathered with President Haidostian for the traditional commemorative group photograph, marking the close of a meaningful celebration and the beginning of a new chapter of service and leadership.

Mira Yardemian is the Public Relations Director at Haigazian University.




Asbarez: ANCA Launching Pre-Election Capitol Hill Mobilization

September 14 to 15 Strategic Advocacy Days to Leverage Armenian Votes for Progress on Armenian Priorities

WASHINGTON — The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region and Western Region, in coordination with the ANCA National Headquarters, will host Strategic Advocacy 2026 in Washington, D.C. on September 14 and 15 — mobilizing Armenian American advocates from across the country to Capitol Hill exactly 50 days before the November 3rd midterm elections.

To express interest, visit the ANCA website. The deadline to register is August 16.

The two-day fly-in will focus on two themes, Electoral Impact and Policy Progress, and will feature Congressional and coalition meetings aimed at concrete pre-election progress on the right of return for Artsakh’s forcibly displaced Armenians, Azerbaijan’s immediate release of Armenian hostages and prisoners of war, full enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, and an end to U.S. military assistance to the Aliyev regime. The program will culminate in “Accountability | 2026 – Artsakh: Justice. Freedom. Right of Return,” a Capitol Hill rally to reverse Azerbaijan’s September 2023 genocidal ethnic cleansing of Artsakh.

The September mobilization comes at a pivotal moment in the U.S. political calendar. With Members of Congress focused on their constituents in the final weeks before the midterms, ANCA Eastern Region, Western Region, and National Headquarters teams will lead delegations from more than 30 states to press for concrete policy commitments from incumbents and candidates alike. The agenda has only grown more urgent as Artsakh’s Armenians remain displaced, dozens of Armenian hostages remain unlawfully held in Baku, and Azerbaijan continues to face no real consequences for its crimes.

“Fifty days out from this year’s hotly contested midterm election is close enough to get their attention, far enough away for them to get things done,” said Aram Hamparian, ANCA Executive Director. “We are positioned – like never before – to play a decisive role in an array of close elections – with a special focus on tipping the scales against some of this cycle’s worst candidates, starting with incumbent Congressman Henry Cuellar and former Senator John E. Sununu.”

Strategic Advocacy 2026 builds on the momentum of the ANCA’s April and September 2025 Advocacy Days, which together brought more than 200 Armenian American advocates to Washington for over 150 Congressional meetings and two Capitol Hill commemorations. The 2026 mobilization is being organized jointly by the ANCA Eastern Region, ANCA Western Region, and ANCA National Headquarters, with delegations expected from more than 30 states.

“This September, our Western Region delegation returns to Washington with the moral clarity that only grows sharper with time — the genocide against Artsakh’s Armenians demands a response, and the United States must lead,” said Oshin Harootoonian, Chairman of the ANCA Western Region. “From California to Colorado, Washington to Texas, our community knows what is at stake, and our advocates are ready to make sure every Member of Congress knows it too — heading into November and beyond.”

“Advocacy Days are where the Armenian American community translates conviction into commitments — and where Members of Congress meet, face-to-face, with constituents who see the occupation of their homeland and who’s compatriots remain held in Baku,” remarked Dr. Ara Chalian, Chairman of the ANCA Eastern Region. “Our Eastern Region delegation will be in Washington in force this September, with first-time advocates standing alongside seasoned activists, community leaders alongside university students. This is what sustained grassroots power looks like.”

The September 15 Capitol Hill program — Accountability | 2026: Artsakh — Justice. Freedom. Right of Return. — will gather Members of Congress, Armenian American organizations, human rights advocates, and the next generation of community leaders for a commemoration of Azerbaijan’s genocidal ethnic cleansing of Artsakh and a renewed demand for U.S. action across three fronts: justice for the genocide, freedom for the Armenian hostages and prisoners of war still held in Baku, and the right of return for Artsakh’s forcibly displaced Armenians under international protection. The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Capitol Hill, with additional speakers and programming to be announced in the coming weeks.

In their Congressional meetings, ANCA advocates will press for the full enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, the imposition of Global Magnitsky sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for war crimes, the immediate release of Armenian hostages and prisoners of war held in Baku, the protection of the right of return for Artsakh’s Armenians under international protection, robust U.S. support for Armenia’s sovereignty and security, and expanded efforts to combat Armenian Genocide denial through education and public awareness.

“Our grassroots presence in Washington has never been more focused, more determined, or more strategically placed than it is this September,” said Gev Iskajyan, ANCA National Grassroots Director. “Fifty days before voters head to the polls, Armenian Americans will be in the offices of every Member of Congress who has a stake in our community — telling them what we need, what we expect, and what we will remember. That message will carry from Capitol Hill straight through November 3rd.”

The ANCA is actively recruiting first-time advocates, returning advocates, community leaders, clergy, professionals, elected officials, and university students for the September mobilization. Limited need-based travel grants are available to support college and graduate student participants. Visit the ANCA website to express interest. Registration deadline is August 16

RFE/RL – Moscow Tells Armenians To ‘Save’ Their Country

հունիս 03, 2026


RUSSIA – The building of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow.

With only four days to go before Armenia’s parliamentary elections, Russia on Wednesday continued to denounce Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s pro-Western foreign policy and urged Armenians to “save” their country.

Meanwhile, Pashinian again downplayed the heightened tensions with Moscow, promising to get the Russians to lift their de facto embargo on key imports from Armenia if his party wins Sunday’s elections.

“Armenia must be saved by the citizens of Armenia, who now have every opportunity to make a choice in favor of their own country in the elections, taking into account national interests,” the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told journalists.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov likewise said that Armenia “needs to make a choice.”

“We hope that the choice will be historically correct in favor of strengthening traditional, deep, fraternal relations with Russia, which have always benefited and I am sure will continue to benefit the Armenian people,” Russian news agencies quoted Ryabkov as saying.

Citing phytosanitary concerns, Moscow has practically banned over the last two weeks sales of Armenian agricultural products and beverages making up the vast majority of Armenian-made products exported to Russia. The bans will hit hard many Armenian farmers, agribusiness firms and alcohol producers heavily dependent on the Russian market.

Campaigning in the country’s eastern Gegharkunik region, Pashinian indicated that they will be lifted if he wins reelection. He pointed to his “friendly” June 1 phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We agreed that after the elections I will leave [for Moscow] again and we will meet and resolve all outstanding issues,” he assured local voters.

Moscow extended its import bans to more Armenian fruits and vegetables following Putin’s call with Pashinian. The Armenian premier claimed on Tuesday that his government is already finding new export markets for them in the European Union. He did not elaborate.

In a clearly related development, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos by phone on Tuesday. Kos said afterwards that Brussels is already “looking into ways to increase EU support for Armenia” in the face of “growing economic coercion by Russia.”

On Monday, the EU’s foreign policy spokesman, Anouar El Anouni, accused Moscow of trying to “hurt Armenia’s economy” and “influence the outcome” of the upcoming elections. The EU itself was accused by Russia as well as the Armenian opposition of election meddling after deciding earlier this year to send a “hybrid rapid response team” to Yerevan for the ballot.

The Russian sanctions followed Putin’s May 9 statement that Yerevan can no longer strive to join the EU while remaining part of an ex-Soviet trade bloc that gives Armenia tariff-free access to Russia, its number one trading partner. Russian parliament speaker Vyacheslav Volodin on Wednesday again described this policy as “dishonest.”

“Armenia’s leaders are leading it to the abyss,” Volodin charged in an interview with Russian state television.