Haigazian University Baccalaureate Service Honors Class of 2026

Mary Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 June 3, 2026

 

in Latest, News, Top Stories

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.




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Asbarez: ANCA Launching Pre-Election Capitol Hill Mobilization

Hagop Kamalian
by Contributor

 

 June 3, 2026

 

in Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

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

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

Kanayan Tamar
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.

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No One Prosecuted For Assaults On Armenian Opposition Supporters

Emma Jilavian
  • Gayane Saribekian
  • Astghik Bedevian
հունիս 03, 2026

Armenia – A group of opposition supporters are confronted by government loyalists in the village of Nor Kyurin, June 2, 2026.

Armenian law-enforcement authorities did not arrest or charge anyone on Wednesday one day after supporters of two key opposition groups running in the June 7 parliamentary elections were physically assaulted by government loyalists in separate incidents caught on camera.

A video released by billionaire Samvel Karapetian’s Strong Armenia bloc suggests that a group of its supporters were confronted by several men while campaigning for the elections in a village just south of Yerevan. The men were apparently led by Arsen Harutiunian, a member of the local council affiliated with the ruling Civil Contract party.

Harutiunian hit and injured one of the Karapetian supporters, a young man named Davit. Another, female supporter can be heard crying, “I’m pregnant, why are you hitting me?”

“As you can see in the footage, our campaign was obstructed and they are the ones who attacked us,” Hrayr Gevorgian, a local Strong Armenia activist, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.

Harutiunian denied attacking the youngster despite video evidence to the contrary. He claimed that he only “tried to get him into the car” as Davit “wouldn’t obey, said bad words and didn’t behave well.” Accordingly, the ruling party member blamed the opposition campaigners for the incident.

When asked how he thinks they provoked it, he said: “They raised their voices even louder when they saw our car.”

Karapetian’s bloc, widely regarded as Civil Contract party’s number one election challenger, strongly condemned the violence and demanded that those responsible for it be brought to justice. Armenia’s Investigative Committee said it has launched a criminal investigation into collective assault, hooliganism and obstruction of election campaign. But it did not charge anyone as of Wednesday evening. Harutiunian was not even questioned by investigators.

Armenia – An opposition supporter is assaulted in Artik, June 2, 2026.

Later on Tuesday, a supporter of the opposition Hayastan alliance was beaten up in the northwestern town of Artik. A short video posted on social media showed a group of local Civil Contract activists ganging up on the man, Hakob Harutiunian. The latter said that he was first attacked by one of those activists, Sipan Grigorian, who accused him of having looked inappropriate at his family.

“I was about to push him back when he punched me,” he said, adding that dozens of other men poured out of a nearby Civil Contract office to join in what he sees as a politically motivated beating.

Harutiunian made headlines in March after approaching and criticizing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian during the latter’s visit to Artik. Pashinian reacted furiously to the criticism.

Grigorian, whose mother is running for the Armenian parliament on the Civil Contract ticket, could not be reached for comment. Ruling party leaders in Artik and the surrounding Shirak province did not answer phone calls from RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.

Ishkhan Saghatelian, a leading member of Hayastan, deplored Civil Contract’s failure to condemn the violence. He also accused law-enforcement authorities of a cover-up.

“If the same thing had been done by an oppositionist, they would have been immediately locked up together with their family members and supporters,” said Saghatelian.

Zhanna Aleksanian, a veteran human rights campaigner, linked the violent incidents to Pashinian’s pre-election “hate speech” against the top opposition leaders. The premier publicly pledged to “take out” them on May 18. The Investigative Committee has refused to even launch a formal inquiry into that pledge.

“Madam Prosecutor-General [Anna Vartapetian,] prevent these acts of violence with your decisions,” said Aleksanian. “If you do nothing, this situation will escalate and lead to unpredictable consequences.”

Armenia – Karabakh activist Artur Osipian argues with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, Yerevan, May18, 2026.

No members or supporters of Pashinian’s party are known to have been prosecuted on election-related charges to date. The authorities have instead indicted hundreds of oppositionists. The vast majority of them are Strong Armenia members and supporters facing vote-buying charges strongly denied by Karapetian’s bloc.

Artur Osipian, an exiled activist from Nagorno-Karabakh, was arrested on May 18 a few hours after asking Pashinian tough questions and criticizing his policies on Karabakh. Pashinian responded by shouting insults and threats directed at “Karabakh pseudo-elites.”

Osipian remains in detention on charges of disrupting public order and obstructing Civil Contract’s election campaign. He has been on hunger strike in a Yerevan prison for more than two weeks.

Another man was arrested on May 15 for tearing down a campaign poster of Pashinian. He was taken to a psychiatric clinic in Yerevan the next day and found dead there hours later. The authorities said that he committed suicide.

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RFE/RL – Pashinian Phones Erdogan Ahead Of Elections

Baghdasarian Karlen
հունիս 03, 2026


Albania – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan gestures to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian at a European summit in Tirana, May 16, 2025.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian discussed with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan efforts to normalize Turkish-Armenian relations in a phone call reported late on Tuesday five days before Armenia’s parliamentary elections.

They also touched upon unspecified “regional matters,” according to an official Turkish readout of the call.

“President Erdogan stated that the normalization between Türkiye and Armenia continues with steps aimed at the launch of direct trade,” it said.

Pashinian’s office said, for its part, that the two leaders stressed the significance of Ankara’s recent, largely symbolic steps taken in the normalization process. Those include the lifting of a longtime Turkish ban on imports from Armenia and permission of Turkish-Armenian cargo shipments through Georgia’s rail link with Turkey. Pashinian has touted these moves during his election campaign.

Turkey continues to make the opening of its border with Armenia conditional on an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal acceptable to Azerbaijan. It is still reluctant to implement a 2022 agreement to open the border for Armenian and Turkish diplomatic passport holders as well as citizens of third countries.

Turkish media reported last year that the deal will likely be implemented in March. The Cumhuriyet daily said last month that the partial border opening is now expected on June 4. However, Azerbaijan’s official Azertaj news agency cited an unnamed Turkish Foreign Ministry source as denying the report.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned the Armenian elections slated for June 7 and praised Pashinian in that context in January. Armenian opposition leaders decried what they called Fidan’s endorsement of Pashinian. They have for years claimed that Pashinian is making unilateral concessions to the Ankara and Baku in hopes of clinging to power. The Armenian premier and his political allies deny this.

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Verelq: Ընդդիմադիր մեկ ուժի նկատմամբ բռնությունը հարձակում է ամբողջ ընդդիմութ

Arpi Talalian

The election headquarters of “Prosperous Armenia” party strongly condemns today’s attack on members of “Strong Armenia” party in the city of Masis.

The political struggle should be a competition of ideas, programs and visions, not a manifestation of force and violence. Regardless of political views and party affiliation, such incidents are unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

We are convinced that the violence against any opposition force is an attack not only against that political force, but also against the entire opposition, political pluralism and the idea of ​​free elections.

We call on the law enforcement agencies to reveal all the circumstances of the incident as soon as possible and to hold the culprits accountable according to the law.

The elections are only a few days away. Therefore, restraint, responsibility and mutual respect are needed more than ever. We call on all political forces and their supporters not to give in to provocations, to stay within the boundaries of political correctness and not to allow the electoral process to be overshadowed by manifestations of violence and hostility.

These days, the future of our state and people is being decided, so it is more than important that political processes proceed in a peaceful, fair, legal and democratic atmosphere. The atmosphere of internal solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance in Armenia should not have an alternative.

PAP pre-election headquarters




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Rubio: Russia wants Pashinyan to lose elections over closer US-Armenia ties

Emil Lazarian
Georgia Today
June 3 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that Russia would like to see Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan defeated in future elections due to Armenia’s growing relationship with the United States.

Rubio made the remarks while briefing lawmakers at a hearing of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he discussed the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project and broader US engagement in Armenia.

“I think it is pretty clear from open-source information that the Russians are less than pleased with our engagement there,” Rubio said. “There are signs that they want the current prime minister to lose the election, and that this would be a consequence of the growing relationship with the United States.”

The US Secretary of State stressed that Washington is not seeking to undermine Armenia’s sovereignty or force the country to choose between international partners.

“To be clear, we are not there to violate Armenia’s sovereignty. We are not asking them not to be friends with other countries. We simply want to have a relationship with them that is not based solely on peace. Peace is important, but it is only the beginning,” Rubio stated.

His comments come amid deepening ties between Washington and Yerevan, including the recent signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership charter and several cooperation agreements aimed at expanding economic, infrastructure and security cooperation between the two countries.

Moscow has not officially responded to Rubio’s remarks.

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Armenian PM Pashinyan Fails to Release Dove of Peace During Campaign Event

Emil Lazarian
Pravda, Russia
June 3 2026
 03.06.2026 15:57
World

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was unable to release a dove of peace during a meeting with voters. Video footage of the incident was published by the Telegram channel Sputnik.

Pashinyan tossed the bird into the air twice, but neither attempt was successful. The dove ultimately returned to its owner.

Pashinyan Discusses Possible Visit to Russia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan once again stated that he is prepared to visit Russia if he succeeds in retaining his position following the parliamentary elections.

According to the politician, Russian President Vladimir Putin called him on June 1 to congratulate him on his birthday. The conversation was followed by a discussion of current issues.

“And we agreed that after the elections I will travel again, we will meet, and resolve all current issues,” the prime minister said.

Comments on EAEU Membership Referendum

Earlier, Pashinyan commented on the idea of holding a referendum on Armenia’s withdrawal from or continued membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a proposal that had been suggested in Russia.

The Armenian prime minister said that holding such a referendum at the present time would be illogical.

See video at the link below:

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Putin Pressures Armenia as Russia Struggles to Maintain Global Influence

Chakrian Hovsep
Modern Diplomacy
June 3 2026

Russia’s influence across its traditional sphere of influence is facing growing challenges as the war in Ukraine continues to consume military, economic and diplomatic resources.

Sana Khan 

Russia’s influence across its traditional sphere of influence is facing growing challenges as the war in Ukraine continues to consume military, economic and diplomatic resources. For decades, Moscow maintained strong ties with former Soviet states through security guarantees, energy supplies and economic integration. However, several longtime partners have increasingly sought closer relations with the West, raising concerns in the Kremlin about the erosion of its geopolitical position.

One of the most notable examples is Armenia, a longtime Russian ally that has recently deepened engagement with the United States and Europe while exploring a path toward eventual European Union membership.

What Happened

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Armenia that pursuing closer integration with the European Union could come at a significant economic cost. Ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections, Putin suggested that Yerevan could lose access to discounted Russian oil and gas if it continues moving toward the EU.

The warning comes as polls indicate that the party of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has pursued a more Western-oriented foreign policy, is likely to perform strongly in the vote.

Russia has already taken measures that many observers view as pressure tactics, including temporary restrictions on certain Armenian exports and warnings about possible reductions in economic cooperation.

Why Armenia Is Moving Closer to the West

Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have cooled significantly in recent years. Armenia signed a partnership agreement with the United States last month and has taken legislative steps that could eventually support EU membership aspirations.

Pashinyan’s government argues that Armenia must diversify its international partnerships and reduce its dependence on any single power. Supporters of closer Western ties point to economic opportunities, political reforms and security cooperation as key motivations behind the shift.

Russian officials, however, view Armenia’s growing engagement with Western institutions as part of a broader effort by the United States and Europe to weaken Moscow’s influence in the South Caucasus region.

Russia’s Wider Struggle to Retain Influence

The dispute with Armenia highlights a broader challenge facing Russia as it attempts to preserve its global standing while remaining heavily focused on the war in Ukraine.

Across multiple regions, Moscow is confronting increasing competition from Western powers. In Europe, countries once considered friendly to Russia are strengthening ties with the European Union and NATO. In the Balkans, political pressure is growing on governments that have traditionally maintained close relations with Moscow.

Russia also faces challenges in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transdniestria, where pro-European political forces are gaining influence. In Central Asia, Moscow is closely watching expanding Western engagement in a region it has long regarded as part of its strategic sphere.

Beyond its neighborhood, Russia’s relationships with partners such as Cuba, Venezuela and Iran are being tested as geopolitical dynamics shift and Western pressure intensifies.

What Comes Next

The outcome of Armenia’s parliamentary election will be closely watched in both Moscow and Western capitals. A victory for Pashinyan’s party could strengthen Armenia’s efforts to deepen ties with Europe and the United States, potentially leading to further tensions with Russia.

For the Kremlin, the situation represents a broader strategic dilemma. As the war in Ukraine continues without a clear resolution, Russia must balance military commitments with the need to maintain influence among traditional allies increasingly exploring alternative partnerships.

The coming months are likely to reveal whether Moscow can preserve its position in regions it has long considered part of its sphere of influence or whether Western engagement will continue to reshape the geopolitical landscape across Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and beyond.

With information from Reuters.

Sana Khan 

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EU ‘looks into’ increasing support for Yerevan as Moscow tightens restriction

Manouk Vasilian
OC Media
June 3 2026

The EU has announced that it was ‘looking into ways to increase EU support for Armenia in the short term’ in the light of ‘growing economic coercion by Russia’. At the same time, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has suggested that Russia is taking the ‘wrong steps’ by continuing to tighten restrictions on Armenian imports.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced the intended support following a phone conversation with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The call came as Moscow imposed yet another round of restrictions on Armenian imports ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections on 7 June.

‘We will also accelerate our work bolstering trade and energy links to and within the South Caucasus, supporting Armenia’s economic links with its immediate neighbourhood’, Kos said.

According to the Armenian readout, the two officials ‘discussed mechanisms aimed at strengthening the economic component of the Armenia–EU partnership, including measures designed to increase trade turnover’.

Since mid-May, Russia has, almost on a daily basis, announced new restrictions on Armenian imports, citing alleged violations. In addition to measures targeting alcoholic beverages, Jermuk mineral water, and fish products, the restrictions have affected Armenian fruit and vegetable exports just as the peak export season begins. Notably, some of the restrictions have been imposed on products that have not yet been harvested and therefore, could not have undergone inspections, including apricots and grapes.

On Tuesday, Russia further restricted imports of Armenian products to Russia, including eggplants, potatoes, and dried fruits. Russia has also restricted the products’ transit to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states.

In late May, EAEU member states, excluding Armenia, urged Yerevan to swiftly hold a referendum to choose between the EU and EAEU. Pashinyan rejected the call ‘until the point when Armenia has either officially applied for EU membership or is very close to obtaining candidate status’.

Russia recalls ambassador to Armenia ahead of elections

On Tuesday, Pashinyan vowed to ‘solve all the problems’, in a comment to Russian media outlet Izvestia.

While acknowledging the advantages of EAEU membership, he said that ‘in this case the EAEU should show new opportunities, open new opportunities, so that the image of the EAEU in Armenia grows rather than the opposite’, adding that the restrictions create ‘a negative perception of the EAEU’.

Also on Tuesday, Pashinyan announced that the batches of roses and vegetables originally intended for the Russian market had already been redirected to alternative destinations, though he did not specify which countries had received them.

Armenia–Russia relations have seen a fresh round of tensions since Pashinyan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 1 April, during which Putin publicly raised the issue of ‘pro-Russian’ political forces in Armenia and expressed hope that they would ‘be able to participate in this domestic political work during the elections’.

Who’s who in Armenia’s 2026 parliamentary elections?

Leaked documents have also suggested that Russia has engaged in disinformation campaigns in favour of pro-Russian candidates, as well as plans to bus ‘tens of thousands of Russian–Armenians’ into Armenia to influence the election outcome.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that ‘the Russians are less than happy about our engagement’ in Armenia, for which reason ‘there’s evidence that they would like the current prime minister [Nikol Pashinyan] to lose his election’.

‘To be clear, we’re not there to infringe on Armenian sovereignty. We’re not asking them not to be friends with other countries. We just want to be able to have a relationship with them that’s built not just on peace. Peace is important, but that’s just the beginning’, Rubio concluded.

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