Armenia Sets Sights on EU—Not Russia, as Pashinyan and Putin Meet in Moscow

Maghakian Mike
United 24 Media
Apr 3 2026
Apr 02, 2026 17:02

 3 min read
Authors

Cyril Barabaltchouk

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, delivering a blunt assessment of Russia’s failure to uphold its security obligations, The Insider reported, citing Russian state media on April 2.

The meeting served as a public airing of grievances, with Pashinyan explaining the total “freeze” of Armenia’s participation in the CSTO

Pashinyan directly linked the decision to the 2022 events in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Azerbaijan seized control of the region while Russian peacekeepers and the CSTO remained sidelined.

“I am unable to explain to our people why the CSTO did not react despite the obligations,” Pashinyan stated. Putin countered by arguing that Armenia’s 2022 recognition of Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory in Prague made any intervention “incorrect,” a justification that Yerevan has long rejected as an excuse for inaction, The Insider wrote.

The conversation shifted to Armenia’s accelerating rapprochement with the European Union. Putin warned that simultaneous membership in the EU and the Russian-led EAEU is “impossible,” pointing to a sharp increase in energy costs if Armenia departs. Putin claimed that Russia currently supplies gas to Armenia at a subsidized rate of $177.5 per thousand cubic meters, whereas European spot prices exceed $600.

While Pashinyan acknowledged the technical incompatibility of the two customs unions, he maintained that Armenia would utilize both options for as long as possible before putting the final decision to a national vote, according to The Insider.

Regional Logistics and 2026 Elections Discussions also touched upon the restoration of railway links through Azerbaijan and the construction of a new nuclear power plant. Pashinyan clarified that Armenia is negotiating with multiple international partners to find the most advantageous deal for its energy future, signaling a move away from total dependence on Russian nuclear conglomerate Rosatom.

As the meeting concluded, Putin expressed concern over the upcoming Armenian parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026. He urged that all political forces, including those with pro-Russian stances, be allowed to participate.

This request comes as Armenia prepares for a final peace treaty with Azerbaijan in 2027, following a US-mediated joint declaration in August 2025 that effectively ended decades of military confrontation.

The diplomatic fracture between Aramenia and Russia intensified in June 2024, when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan officially announced the suspension of Armenia’s participation in the CSTO, citing the alliance’s failure to defend the country against Azerbaijani incursions during the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.

This decisive break was followed by a historic parliamentary vote on March 26, 2025, where Armenia approved a law to formally begin the process of joining the European Union. By August 2025, the United States successfully mediated a joint declaration between Armenia and Azerbaijan, signaling a shift toward Western security guarantees and away from Russian regional dominance.

The current April 2026 meeting in the Kremlin highlights the final economic hurdles of this transition, as Armenia weighs the immediate loss of subsidized Russian gas against its long-term aspirations for European integration.

—

Fresno Armenian-American artwork showcased after 120 years

Emil Lazarian
Your Central Valley
Apr 3 2026

by: Jason Takhtadjian

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – An art exhibit in Downtown Fresno’s Art Hop is sharing a story of survival through drawings that outlived a genocide. 

“This is a very unique exhibition in the sense that it comes from 120-year-old art that was created in Armenia prior to coming to Fresno. That’s the beauty of it,” Armenian Heritage Museum Curator Varoujan Der Simonian said.

The artwork belongs to Victoria Khatcherian, a young woman from the Armenian highlands who fled violence and persecution in the early 1900’s, now known as the Armenian Genocide. But before she ever knew what was coming, she was creating.

“I looked at it. I was amazed by the quality of the work that Victoria has done,” Der Simonian said.

And even today, 120 years later, her work doesn’t feel distant – it feels familiar.

“It’s very, very unique and you can relate to it because it’s so contemporary,” Der Simonian said.

And here in Fresno, where generations of Armenian families have built their lives, that history isn’t just remembered – it’s lived.

“It’s the link between the past and the present,” Der Simonian said.

And while this art is rooted in Armenian history, its message reaches far beyond it.

“It’s significant because we are all immigrant communities throughout the valley… and having this kind of art in our community, I think it’s value to Fresno,” Der Simonian said.

The free exhibit will be available for the public from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fresno ArtHop.

—

Luxury Armenian Wine Tasting Experience Comes to Burbank at GINI

Emma Nadirian
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Apr 3 2026
Ella Shahbazian

Burbank residents are invited to experience a unique and elevated wine tasting at GINI Wine Shop, a boutique destination dedicated exclusively to Armenian wines—home to one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions dating back over 6,200 years.

Join us tomorrow evening for a curated tasting experience featuring premium selections sourced from Armenia’s most renowned regions, including the volcanic vineyards of Vayots Dzor and the high-altitude terroirs of Artsakh.

Guests will enjoy:
• Complimentary wine tastings
• A curated selection of rare and boutique Armenian wines
• A welcoming, high-end atmosphere designed for discovery and connection

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for something new, this is a rare opportunity to explore a rich cultural tradition that is largely undiscovered in Southern California.

—

Of course, it’s up to you to decide: Putin explained to Pashinyan what awaits

Antonian Lara
Eurasia Daily
Apr 3 2026
Of course, it’s up to you to decide: Putin explained to Pashinyan what awaits Armenia with Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Moscow has become a fork in the road for Armenia’s political choice. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Yerevan’s drift towards the EU will lead to a break with Eurasian integration, says columnist Lyubov Stepushova.

On April 1, Pashinyan arrived in Moscow, the visit was aimed at showing voters that he has good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although the country has headed for the Euro Union, and therefore NATO.

The Putin—Pashinyan meeting was broadcast by the media and on social networks. Putin’s accents, pauses and direct formulations make it clear that he put Pashinyan in front of the fact: there have been no good relations for a long time, and they can get much worse because Yerevan stubbornly implements the anti-Russia project.

Putin clearly said that Armenia’s course towards the European Union is incompatible with its presence in the Eurasian integration, due to which Armenia maintains a stable standard of living for its citizens. Putin clarified that gas is currently being traded for $ 600 per thousand cubic meters, and Russia is selling it to Armenia for $ 177.

At the meeting, Pashinyan devoted many words to the bright present and even brighter future in relations with Azerbaijan. If it is so bright, then what are the complaints about the CSTO, which allegedly did not stand up for Karabakh? Putin noted that Pashinyan’s recognition of Artsakh as Azerbaijani in Prague in 2022 closes the topic of claims against the CSTO.

The affairs of the Armenian leadership speak for themselves. Yerevan insists on selling the railway concession owned by Russian Railways to “some other country” because the Russian presence allegedly creates obstacles to the development of Armenia — no one will go along the road because of Russian control. At the same time, Yerevan invites Russian Railways specialists to repair part of the “Trump Road” or the Zangezur corridor (Mengri section) connecting Nakhichevan with Azerbaijan. It is clear to anyone that this is, at least, ugly, because it is selfish, and the arrival of Americans in the South Caucasus region violates the existing security balance there with huge risks for Russia.

In addition, the war in the Middle East demonstrates how quickly all countries in the region are drawn into it, and drone strikes on the territory of Nakhichevan immediately affected transportation along the North-South international transport corridor and did not add confidence to Western investors who want to invest in the Trump Road.

And not everything is so good in relations with Russia, as Pashinyan says, if the trade turnover has halved in a year, the Armenian authorities have beaten off in Russia wants to invest and trade in the illegal nationalization of the “Electric Networks of Armenia” with Russian capital. Cooperation with Rosatom on the Metsamor NPP is also hanging in the balance, as in Yerevan decided to partially involve Americans in the construction of new modular reactors.

If the Armenian leadership raises the issue of the undesirability of the Russian business presence, then the question of reciprocity also arises, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said in an interview with TASS.

The results of the last summit meeting will be known about the real affairs of Yerevan. But one thing is obvious — Armenia is at a political crossroads. One of the options suggests the path of Ukraine — severing ties with Russia, integration into Europe (which will not be) with a decrease in the standard of living of the population, and so on. The second way is a principled course towards cooperation with Russia and the EAEU, but, of course, Pashinyan is not able to return to it — they will not let him.

Perhaps the elections in June will change something, but the pro-Russian forces are now carefully getting out of the electoral process.

Read more: https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/04/03/of-course-its-up-to-you-to-decide-putin-explained-to-pashinyan-what-awaits-armenia-with-pashinyan

—

Armenian legal expert warns of ‘red lines’ crossed in state-church relations

Antonian Lara
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 2 2026

Anti-church measures taken by the Armenian authorities have crossed “red lines” and risk serving the interests of the country’s adversaries, constitutional law expert Gohar Meloyan said on Thursday.

Addressing parliamentary hearings, Meloyan, a member of the Strong Armenia party, described what she sees as a troubling shift in the country’s legal and political climate, marked by selective justice and political interference in religious affairs.

“A reality has emerged in Armenia where clergymen are detained, philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan has been held for expressing support for the church and even religious liturgy is subject to political editing,” Meloyan told lawmakers.

Her remarks came during hearings initiated by the opposition Pativ Unem faction, focusing on a draft parliamentary statement on the current state of relations between the state and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Meloyan also criticized the arbitrary application and interpretation of laws, pointing to practices she labeled as selective and informal justice. “The distortion of law and the prevalence of selective enforcement undermine the very legal nature of the state,” she said.

According to Meloyan, the erosion of constitutional norms and the weakening of the rule of law constitute a growing security concern. “This deficit in constitutionalism is not merely a legal issue, it is an emerging threat to national security, particularly legal security,” she added.

Framing the issue in broader terms, Meloyan warned that targeting the church strikes at the core of Armenia’s identity. “When the church is targeted, our identity is targeted. It weakens the state’s immune system,” she said.

She further stated that international partners and organizations disapprove the government’s anti-church campaign, adding that such developments are viewed abroad as “unacceptable and alarming”.

—

Russia’s agricultural watchdog questions origin of Armenian imports

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

Russia’s agricultural regulator said it continues to doubt the authenticity of some plant and animal products imported from Armenia, citing suspiciously high volumes and inconsistencies in quality.

Rosselkhoznadzor head Sergei Dankvert told Vesti that supplies of flowers, dairy products and fish from Armenia have surged in recent years, raising concerns that not all of the goods are of Armenian origin. “The assortment and quantity of products give reason to believe that not all of them are Armenian,” he said.

He noted that flower imports from Armenia had nearly tripled in three years, while inspections uncovered more than 900 quarantine organisms. “We had to move phytosanitary controls closer to the border,” Dankvert said, adding that some shipments never reached their declared destinations.

Animal products have also drawn scrutiny. “We saw deliveries of untraceable products such as butter, cheese, trout. Trout from mountain rivers in Armenia cannot in any way resemble Norwegian trout,” Dankvert said.

Russia has tightened traceability requirements on Armenian imports and Dankvert said the solution lies in integrating electronic safety and tracking systems across the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). “Our electronic systems allow us to quickly trace products and work effectively, but this is not yet happening within the union,” he said.

—

Detained Armenian teen hospitalized after repeated loss of consciousness

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

18-year-old David Minasyan has been hospitalized after repeatedly passing out while in custody, his lawyer said on Friday.

“A decision has now been made to hospitalize David given his health condition. Medical examinations are underway and updates will be provided later,” lawyer Lusine Martirosyan said in a statement.

The teenager was detained following a Palm Sunday incident at St. Anna Church in Yerevan involving Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He was later charged and placed in pre-trial detention for two months.

According to his lawyer, Minasyan lost consciousness before reaching Armavir Penitentiary after a court hearing and was taken to a medical center in Echmiadzin. On Friday, he was being transferred from the Armavir prison to Abovyan Penitentiary when he again lost consciousness en route.

He was initially taken to a medical facility in Abovyan before being transferred to Nairi Medical Center in Yerevan for further treatment.

—

Human rights activist warns of ‘dictatorship’ if Pashinyan remains in power

Jirair Kafian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

Armenian human rights activist Nina Karapetyants warned that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan could move the country toward authoritarian rule if re-elected, urging voters to participate widely in the upcoming elections.

Speaking to Panorama.am on Friday, Karapetyants said her analysis of Pashinyan’s actions indicates that he is moving toward establishing a dictatorship in order to implement what she described as anti-Armenian projects.

She argued that implementing such policies would require “total control”, noting that while segments of Armenian society continue to express dissent, that resistance could weaken if the current political systems are altered.

Karapetyants also raised concerns about potential shifts in key national issues, including the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and changes to educational materials.

Framing the election as pivotal, she called on citizens to vote regardless of political affiliation, emphasizing the importance of broad public participation.

“This is not just an election,” she said. “It is a struggle to preserve Armenia.”

—

‘Time is of the essence’: Relatives of Armenian prisoners call for activation

Garo Vardanian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

Relatives and representatives of Armenian detainees unlawfully held in Azerbaijan have sent a letter to Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan; the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis; and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, requesting the activation of the Protecting Power mechanism within the framework of international humanitarian law. This was reported by the “Center for International and Comparative Law,” headed by Siranush Sahakyan, the representative of Armenian prisoners of war at the European Court of Human Rights.

“We, the undersigned relatives and representatives of Armenian captives currently being unlawfully held in Azerbaijan, express our deepest concern following the complete closure of the International Committee of the Red Cross office in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This development has gravely exacerbated the already dire situation of our relatives, leaving us in a state of profound uncertainty regarding their fate and wellbeing.

Considering these circumstances and recalling the obligations set forth under international humanitarian law, we respectfully but firmly urge the Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation to the Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of Protecting Power. Such an intervention is both necessary and urgent to ensure that the rights, safety, and dignity of our relatives are safeguarded through internationally recognized mechanisms of protection.

While we are mindful that the institution of the ‘Protecting Power’ has, in recent decades, fallen into disuse and may appear unusual in today’s context, the exceptional and unlawful circumstances we face today demand precisely such exceptional measures. Azerbaijan’s continued incommunicado detention of Armenian captives, without access by their families, independent lawyers, or impartial humanitarian actors, constitutes a flagrant breach of its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions,” the letter states in part.

Noting that at least 19 individuals are currently being held in Baku, their relatives emphasize that this situation has created a serious vacuum in the protection of rights, resulting in a high risk of violence, ill-treatment, and even enforced disappearance.

“In view of these urgent and extraordinary circumstances, and recalling Switzerland’s status as host State and principal supporter of the ICRC in its role as guardian of international humanitarian law, we hereby respectfully but firmly request:

  • The Government of Armenia to extend a formal invitation to the Government of the Swiss Confederation to assume the role of Protecting Power with respect to all Armenian captives currently held in Azerbaijan.
  • The Government of the Swiss Confederation to accept this invitation and to act as the Protecting Power, thereby ensuring the captives’ rights, dignity, and protection to the fullest extent possible, and providing the guarantees that Azerbaijan has unlawfully denied.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in its capacity as substitute for a Protecting Power, to support this appointment and to assist Switzerland in fulfilling its functions as Protecting Power in relation to the Armenian captives unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan.

Time is of the essence. Continued inaction risks further aggravating the suffering of those unlawfully detained and increasing the threats to their lives and physical integrity. We therefore respectfully call upon the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Swiss Confederation to take timely and appropriate measures within their respective mandates, and invite the International Committee of the Red Cross to extend its support, with a view to ensuring that international law is effectively upheld and that the rights of ethnic Armenians are duly protected in the face of ongoing violations,” the letter concludes.

—

Protest held outside Armenian Prosecutor’s Office over public broadcaster bia

Jirair Kafian
Panorama, Armenia
Apr 3 2026

A protest was held outside the Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office on Friday, where demonstrators accused Armenia’s public broadcaster of political bias and violating fundamental rights.

Nina Karapetyants, founder of the Nzhar Party and a human rights advocate, said the Public TV Company has increasingly supported “anti-Armenian projects” to an unprecedented degree.

“Public TV has never truly served its intended purpose and has always been used for political expediency,” Karapetyants said. “However, it has never before provided such extensive support to anti-Armenian initiatives.”

She argued that key rights, including freedom of conscience and fair treatment of religious organizations, have been undermined. Karapetyants also pointed to restrictions on opposition voices, alleging that the broadcaster limits their access, particularly ahead of elections.

“There are numerous cases where Public TV fails to operate within the legal framework established by the state, doing so with impunity before elections,” she said, adding that opposition groups are effectively excluded from meaningful visibility on the platform.

Karapetyants further claimed that the broadcaster predominantly features individuals supportive of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who are presented as neutral experts but later appear on ruling party electoral lists.

Protesters submitted a formal complaint to the Prosecutor General’s Office but expressed little confidence in an official response. Karapetyants emphasized the importance of initiating legal proceedings.

“Starting legal processes is crucial because we are a state governed by law,” she said. “We cannot allow the country to be controlled by a single group.”

She also raised concerns about violations of the rights of the Armenian Apostolic Church followers, citing their significant presence in society.

—