A statement was made: “Everything is already clear with Armenia — everyone kno

Christine Harutyunian
Eurasia Daily
May 29 2026
May 29th, 2026
15:07

The leaders of the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at a meeting in Astana held a discussion of the situation that is developing around Armenia. As a result, a statement was adopted, which will be published soon, said Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.

“There, the application was accepted by four managers. … There was a business discussion of the situation that is developing. And everyone is well aware of this situation,” Ushakov said.

At the same time, the Armenian side did not request a separate meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit in Astana.

“No, a separate discussion was not planned. And there was no request either,” Ushakov said.

As EADaily reported, in April 2025, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturian approved the law on the republic’s intention to join the EU adopted earlier by the parliament, although the association itself did not even offer membership to the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on April 1, noted that simultaneous presence in the customs union with the EU and the EAEU is impossible by definition. Pashinyan did not come to the current summit of the EAEU leaders in Astana, citing the election campaign

More details: https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/05/29/a-statement-was-made-everything-is-already-clear-with-armenia-everyone-knows-the-situation-perfectly-well

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Leaders of four EAEU countries adopt statement on Armenia

Baghdasarian Karlen
MediaMax, Armenia
May 29 2026

Leaders of four EAEU countries adopt statement on Armenia

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Aide to the Russian President Yury Ushakov said today that the issue of Armenia was discussed at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit.

“The statement of the leaders of the four EAEU countries has been conveyed to the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia,” he said, according to TASS. The text of the statement has not yet been published.

Mediamax notes that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is not participating in the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Kazakhstan due to the campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country. Armenia is represented at the summit by Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.


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Zakharova accused Yerevan of “bending over to the EU” due to its lack of trust

Jagharian Tania
Caucasian Knot
May 29 2026
Zakharova accused Yerevan of “bending over to the EU” due to its lack of trust in Russian observers.
Yerevan did not want to see Russian citizens on the CIS observation mission for the parliamentary elections in Armenia. Moscow will take this “anti-Russian course” into account in its future work with Yerevan, the official spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.

Elections to the National Assembly of Armenia will be held on June 7. According to analysts, the parties of Samvel Karapetyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and former President Robert Kocharyan will be key competitors in the elections. Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia,” along with Robert Kocharyan’s “Armenia” bloc and Gagik Tsarukyan’s “Prosperous Armenia” party, is one of the most pro-Russian parties in the Armenian parliamentary elections. The “Caucasian Knot” has prepared a report titled “2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia.”

Russia planned to send three State Duma deputies and a representative of the Karachay-Cherkessia election commission to Armenia to observe the parliamentary elections as part of a CIS mission, but their Armenian partners “informally notified” the organization that it was undesirable to include Russians in the mission.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated at a briefing on May 28 that “observers from Russia are being denied permission to observe the elections.” According to Zakharova, Yerevan has not provided an official response to the request on this matter and has not explained the reasons for this position.

“We have no idea what these specific individuals might have done wrong to Armenia. We know that there are a number of individuals who are on some kind of blacklists, stoplists—no, these are not those people. They have never had any problems visiting Armenia,” she stated.

At the same time, Zakharova acknowledged that Russian candidates for CIS observers “are on the European Union’s sanctions list.”

“And this is a kind of bowing posture by official Yerevan before its EU elders (…) If this is true, then it turns out that the Armenian side is once again demonstrating, in the direction of Russia, that it is choosing the anti-Russian course of the EU, Brussels, and the West. How then can we expect assurances of friendship and continued cooperation?” she stated.

Expressing “deep regret and incomprehension” on behalf of the Russian side, Zakharova warned that Moscow “is not ready to accept this logic.” “We will be forced to take it into account in our future work with Yerevan,” she added.

The “Caucasian Knot” reported that at a meeting with Nikol Pashinyan in the Kremlin on April 1, Vladimir Putin warned the Armenian Prime Minister that combining a course toward rapprochement with the EU and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union is “impossible by definition,” he stated. He also stated that Moscow would like to see all pro-Russian political forces allowed to participate in the parliamentary elections in Armenia.

The first Armenia-EU summit, which took place in Yerevan on May 4-5, gave Moscow media a reason to accuse Nikol Pashinyan of “betrayal” and an anti-Russian course. Russian officials also echoed similar rhetoric: Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, in his Telegram channel, called the summit participants, including Pashinyan, “brainless Russophobes.”

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Source: Caucasian Knot

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The Armenian side found no violations in the Jermuk samples.

Emma Nadirian
Caucasian Knot
May 29 2026
The Armenian side found no violations in the Jermuk samples.

Temporary restrictions on the import of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, and strawberries have been imposed by Rosselkhoznadzor since May 30.

As reported by the “Caucasian Knot,” Rosselkhoznadzor imposed temporary restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia starting May 22, 2026, and on fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, and strawberries starting May 30. Rospotrebnadzor explained the suspension of imports of all batches of Armenian mineral water “Jermuk” to Russia as a “temporary sanitary measure” due to the detected excess of chemical substances; 37 million bottles were banned from sale. Rosselkhoznadzor also announced a ban on the import of certain cognacs and wines to Russia. Pashinyan called such bans common practice, while opposition representatives saw political overtones in Russia’s actions.

New Jermuk parties blocked in Russia

Rospotrebnadzor sent an additional order to the operator of the state labeling system “Honest Sign” to suspend the sale of 64.5 million units of Jermuk natural mineral drinking carbonated water in the Russian Federation. The order to block new batches is valid from May 28, 2026, until further notice.
 
“The order was based on the manufacturer’s violations of mandatory requirements of technical regulation legislation. Excessive levels of bicarbonate ions, chlorides, and sulfates were detected in the water. This could lead to misconceptions about its medicinal properties and negatively impact health,” the agency reported, adding that since the beginning of 2026, at the request of Rospotrebnadzor, the operator of the state labeling system “Honest Sign” has already blocked the sale of 38.4 million units of Jermuk bottled water.

An inspection in Armenia found no deviations in the composition of the mineral water

The food safety inspectorate commented to the ARKA news agency on the suspension of the sale of 64.5 million units of Jermuk water in the Russian Federation.

“The regulator conducted a sample collection of Jermuk.” According to the results of the laboratory examination, no deviations were found: the content of “hydrocarbonate”, “sulfate” and “chloride” ions complied with the standards established by the technical regulations of the Customs Union,” the Arka news agency quotes the department’s statement.

Since the circulation of “Jermuk” was suspended by the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economy of Armenia is resolving the issue, the department reported.

Rosselkhoznadzor doubts the competence of the Ministry of Economy of Armenia

Rosselkhoznadzor believes that the ministry is not coping with the powers vested in it after the abolition of the Ministry of Agriculture of Armenia, TASS reports.

The department stated that in Armenia, as a result of the structural reform of the government in 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture was liquidated and issues of state policy in the field of agriculture were assigned to the Ministry of Economy, which is responsible for Agricultural policy, agricultural processing, livestock farming, veterinary medicine, crop production, the use of pesticides and agrochemicals, organic farming, agricultural cooperatives, and fisheries.

“Considering that Russia is the main market for Armenian agricultural products, and the fact that recently imported products from Armenia do not meet the phytosanitary requirements of the EAEU and Russia, it can be assumed that the Armenian Ministry of Economy is failing to fulfill the powers vested in it following the abolition of the Ministry of Agriculture,” RIA Novosti quotes the ministry as saying.

Russia imposed restrictions on the import of flowers and mineral water as Armenian political forces prepare for parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. Meanwhile, the European Political Community Summit and the Armenia-EU Summit were held in Yerevan in early May. In this regard, Russian pro-government media accused Armenia of “betrayal” and an anti-Russian course, and Vladimir Putin noted that the Armenian authorities should decide as soon as possible on whether to join the EU or the EAEU. Putin previously stated that combining Armenia’s course toward rapprochement with the EU and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union is “impossible by definition,” and noted that Moscow “would like” all pro-Russian political forces to participate in the parliamentary elections in Armenia.

The June parliamentary elections in Armenia will effectively be a referendum on the future of Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the country’s foreign policy. At stake is the preservation of power by the current team or its transition to the opposition, which promises to reconsider the key decisions of recent years, according to the “Caucasian Knot” report “2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia”. Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia”, along with Robert Kocharyan’s “Armenia” bloc and Gagik Tsarukyan’s “Prosperous Armenia” party, is one of the most pro-Russian parties in the parliamentary elections of Armenia. The Kremlinis betting on Karapetyan, but by law he cannot participate in the elections, Armenian political scientists pointed out earlier.

As a reminder, in August 2025, hundreds of trucks carrying grapes, plums, and peaches were not allowed to enter Russia at the Upper Lars checkpoint and were forced to return to Armenia. This problem is political in nature, said opposition MP Garnik Danielyan.

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Source: Caucasian Knot

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Armenia’s Information Battlefield

Chatinian Lara
UK – May 29 2026

Read about the Kremlin-led campaigns aimed at undermining trust in democracy ahead of pivotal Armenian elections.

elcome to IWPR’s Frontline Update, your go-to source to hear from journalists and local voices at the front lines of conflict.

 THE BIG PICTURE  

As Armenia prepares for crucial parliamentary elections next month, it is confronting a sharp escalation in foreign information manipulation and interference.

The country’s strategic pivot toward Europe, combined with the fragile normalisation process with Azerbaijan, has created fertile ground for Kremlin-led campaigns aimed at polarising society and undermining trust in democracy.

 VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINE 

“The dominant narrative threats systematically weaponise existential anxiety and historical traumas, falsely portraying European integration as a threat to local identity while fabricating stories about territorial concessions or foreign military footprints,” digital security consultant Artur Papayan told IWPR Caucasus Director Beka Bajelidze.

A dominant narrative frames the peace process with Azerbaijan not as a strategic necessity, but as surrender, while Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is portrayed as weak, traitorous, or acting on behalf of Western powers rather than Armenian national interests.

Papayan warned that Armenia was experiencing “an unprecedented, highly coordinated surge in hybrid operations” from sophisticated generative AI deepfakes – including entirely fabricated organisations such as a supposed Armenian Queer Union – to cyberattacks targeting critical state infrastructure.

Anthropologist Hranush Kharatyan explained that Armenia’s vulnerability was also shaped by historical and identity-based dynamics.

“Foreign policy debates are often reduced to binary identity labels, such as Russophile, Turkophile or Europhile rather than programmatic political discussion,” she said, noting that this dynamic contributed to “persistent polarisation”.

 WHY IT MATTERS 

Armenia’s pursuit of new strategic, diplomatic and economic partnerships is highly significant, representing a move away from a Russia-dominated and constrained geopolitical environment.

The Russian election interference response is clear; to erode trust in democratic institutions, fragment the information space and reduce confidence in the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.

The goal is to create paralysis, cynicism and distrust, a particularly dangerous dynamic in post-conflict societies such as Armenia where unresolved trauma remains acute.

 THE BOTTOM LINE 

As Armenia approaches future elections, the country may face a defining challenge: whether voters can debate the future of peace and European integration on the basis of informed choice rather than manipulated fear.

In Armenia as elsewhere, civil society organisations and independent media are increasingly central actors in documenting and countering these campaigns through investigations, media literacy efforts and research.

IWPR continues to support local voices in their efforts to ensure they are free to determine their own democratic future.

https://iwpr.net/global-voices/armenias-information-battlefield

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EAEU Weighs Suspension of Armenia Over EU Membership Aspirations

Jane Topchian
DevDiscourse
May 29 2026

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is contemplating suspending Armenia due to its potential European Union membership ambitions. EAEU leaders have urged Armenia to conduct a referendum on EU membership, which could be perceived as a threat to the union’s economic security.

Key Takeaways

AI Summary

  • The EAEU is considering suspending Armenia due to its aspirations for EU membership, which raises concerns about the union’s economic security.
  • EAEU leaders have suggested that Armenia hold a referendum on EU membership, allowing the option to remain in the union.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin and other EAEU leaders met in Astana to discuss Armenia’s status within the organization.
  • The potential suspension highlights the tensions in the EAEU as Armenia balances regional alliances with its desire for EU integration.

The Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) may suspend Armenia later this year due to concerns over its pursuit of European Union membership threatening the union’s economic security. A joint statement released on Friday revealed these developments. Country leaders of the EAEU have encouraged Armenia to hold a referendum on its EU membership, providing the option to remain within the Moscow-led group.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with other EAEU leaders, gathered in Astana earlier on Friday to deliberate Armenia’s ongoing status in the union. This meeting reflects the growing tensions within the EAEU as Armenia navigates its foreign relationships.

The potential suspension underscores the delicate balance between maintaining regional alliances and pursuing broader economic integration with the EU. The outcome of Armenia’s potential referendum could significantly impact the country’s economic and political trajectory.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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Russia threatens Armenia with sanctions over rapprochement with the EU; the is

Maral Takmazian
UNN, Ukraine
May 29 2026

Kyiv • UNN

May 29 2026, 08:00 AM • 3452 views

At the EAEU summit, Putin will discuss sanctions against Armenia due to its course toward the EU. Moscow is already restricting the import of goods and threatening to revise gas prices.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will participate in the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana on May 29, where one of the main topics will be the escalation of relations with Armenia due to its intention to move closer to the European Union. This is reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.

Details

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on the eve of the meeting that the situation surrounding Armenia is complex and will certainly be discussed during the negotiations. Moscow is dissatisfied with Yerevan’s intentions to move toward EU membership, although the process itself could take years. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will not participate in the summit, explaining this by preparations for the parliamentary elections on June 7.

Pashinyan announced the end of Armenia’s dependence on a “single ally”28.05.26, 06:15 • 5896 views

Against the backdrop of political disagreements, Russia has increased pressure on Armenia. Moscow warned that if the course toward EU accession continues, agreements regarding the supply of gas, fuel, and other strategic goods could be revised. Furthermore, in recent weeks, Russia has already restricted the import of several Armenian goods, including flowers, wine, brandy, mineral water, and vegetables.

Analysts believe that the Kremlin’s economic pressure is linked not only to geopolitics but also to the internal political situation in Armenia ahead of the elections. At the same time, the country remains an important part of the so-called Middle Corridor between Europe and China, which is seen as an alternative to routes through Russian territory.

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Russia wants to send 100,000 Armenians to Armenia to vote against Pashinyan in

Nahapetian Samvel
May 29 2029

Armenians are not allowed to vote in elections from abroad.

Russian officials have in recent months discussed sending Armenians living in Russia to vote for Pashinyan’s opponents in parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, five sources told Reuters.com.

Armenians make up a large global diaspora, including a population in Russia estimated to exceed 2 million people. However, Armenians are not allowed to vote in elections from abroad.

One source — a senior American official — stated that there is debate within the intelligence community regarding how many people Moscow could realistically transport. However, according to him, intelligence services are taking this idea seriously. Armenians regularly travel between the two countries, with dozens of flights operating daily.

According to three sources, Russian authorities estimated the cost of transporting 100,000 voters at approximately $50 million. By mid-May, the Kremlin allegedly set quotas for each region on the number of Armenians to be sent and demanded reports from local administrators on preparations.

Reuters could not determine whether such a plan is being implemented in practice and whether it could narrow the large gap between the leaders of the electoral race.

According to a poll conducted earlier this month, Nikol Pashinyan’s “Civil Contract” party is expected to take first place with approximately 30% of the votes.

Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia” party, according to the same poll, garners about 6% and significantly lags behind amid high competition.

Pashinyan came to power in 2018 after protests that overthrew his pro-Russian predecessor.

In August 2025, Pashinyan concluded a US-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending years of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over a disputed region. The deal involves opening a transport route through southern Armenia, allowing goods to move eastward towards Central Asia, and granting Azerbaijan direct access to its exclave of Nakhchivan and to Turkey.

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Russia reasserts iron grip over Armenia after Rubio’s high-profile visit?

Christine Harutyunian
Hindustan Times
May 29 2026

Russia has declared that its military presence in Armenia remains secure despite growing U.S. and European influence in the South Caucasus. Sergei Shoigu said Moscow sees “no reasons” to withdraw its 102nd Military Base from Gyumri, dismissing concerns over Armenia’s expanding ties with the West. The remarks came shortly after renewed U.S.-Armenia engagement linked to Marco Rubio and amid rising geopolitical tensions surrounding Armenia’s pivot toward Europe. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has frozen participation in several Russia-led security structures while pushing deeper cooperation with the European Union and Washington. Despite tensions, Russia continues to maintain thousands of troops, MiG-29 fighter jets, and S-300 air defence systems at its strategic Gyumri base, reinforcing Moscow’s determination to preserve influence across the South Caucasus.

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