Author: Antonian Lara

Russia to Armenia: Do as We Say

Antonian Lara
April 9 2026
Armenia has few options despite its rapprochement with Azerbaijan and Turkey and ties to the EU. None provides Yerevan with viable security.
a:hover]:text-red” st1yle=”box-sizing:border-box;border-width:0px;border-style:solid;border-color:currentcolor;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:2rem”>By Emil Avdaliani
April 9, 2026

When on April 1, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Vladimir Putin in the Russian capital, the Armenian leader’s agenda was clear — to bolster his difficult position before the June parliamentary elections.

It did not go smoothly.

The Russian side used the opportunity to present an ultimatum to Yerevan and to broadcast the videoed exchange — choose us, Putin told Pashinyan, or choose the European Union (EU). You cannot choose both.

The Russian logic is clear — one cannot be a member state in mutually exclusive supranational economic entities such as the EU and the Russian-dominated Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Russia is “absolutely calm” about Armenia’s efforts to forge closer ties with the EU, Putin said. While Pashinyan agreed that his country could not straddle both blocs indefinitely, he would have understood the menacing underlying message. Russia does not like the countries of what it terms the near-abroad to look wistfully westward. That was one key reason why the Kremlin invaded Ukraine, after all.

The discussion moved on to other sensitive issues, including another Russian-run grouping, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a six-member alliance that’s a low-fat version of NATO.

Armenia has not forgotten or forgiven Russia’s dismissal of its appeals for help during and after the second Nagorno-Karabakh war of 2020 with non-CSTO member Azerbaijan. The Russian president said action had been impossible given that the region belonged to Azerbaijan, and that Armenia’s internationally recognized territory remained largely intact.

The 20-minute filmed exchange then moved on to far more abstract topics such as democracy and internet freedom in Armenia. The Russian president seemed uninterested and slightly irritated to hear Pashinyan’s digression, including comments on freedom that would be construed as critical of Russian authoritarianism.

Neither side can regard the exchanges as very helpful. Indeed, it seemed the meeting highlighted mutual distrust between the two long-time allies. Tensions have grown in intensity over the past year or so, when preparations for the June 7 parliamentary elections began. Pro-government Armenian politicians have consistently hinted that Russia has been working behind the scenes to deepen and exploit relations between the administration and the Armenian church.

Relatedly, Russia wants its ally, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, to run as a potential candidate with the Strong Armenia party. The country’s leadership countered by launching an investigation against Karapetyan, placing him under house arrest. On that matter, Pashinyan told the Russian leader that “only citizens holding an Armenian passport — and no other nationality — can run in these elections”. Karapetyan says he has been stripped of his Russian nationality.

Russia sees an opportunity in Armenia. The upcoming elections present a perfect opportunity to solve what it sees as the Pashinyan problem. The 50-year-old former journalist came to power in 2018 via a peaceful revolution that was not explicitly anti-Russian but which looked to the Kremlin awfully like the so-called color revolutions that swept many sympathetic regimes in neighboring states.

Pashinyan suffers low popularity, and the Kremlin now hopes to advance its allies, which mostly feature politicians from the pre-2018 period.

Armenia has few options to counter Russian pressure. But it does have the option of withdrawal from CSTO and the EAEU, and made some signals indicating that after the Moscow meeting.

Yet the room for maneuver is tight, and Putin has already acted on his threat. Soon after the summit, Moscow announced tighter requirements for Armenian imports. The agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, argued that a large part of Armenian exports might not meet EAEU sanitary requirements. Russia can also use other tested weapons in its well-used coercive armory — for example, it sells gas to Armenia at a much lower price than EU levels.

Armenia’s options are limited. It’s true that the country has lately improved its ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Talks on reopening the long-closed border with Turkey, as well as transit through Azerbaijan underway, with some tangible results already in place. Moreover, Azeri rhetoric toward Armenia has markedly softened, and there seems to be a genuine hope for a long-term peace to be enshrined in a peace document. Both sides are also cooperating on the Trump Route planned to pass through Armenia’s southernmost region of Syunik.

Yet, this does not guarantee Armenia’s long-term security. With Iran in flames and with Azerbaijan and Turkey becoming ever closer militarily, the regional balance of power does not favor the Armenian state. Russia remains a critical component in Yerevan’s security calculus.

Then there is the EU, which has, over the two years, expanded its engagement with Yerevan but still has little to offer in terms of concrete steps that would open the door to Armenian membership. Any such prospect seems far off in the future, despite consistent French support for the country.

The Pashinyan-Putin exchanges illustrated Russia’s keen understanding of Armenia’s dilemmas and difficulties. And that its efforts to walk a narrow line between competing blocs, of playing one side against the other, has its limits.

Yerevan is increasingly facing a Russia that is more demanding, willing to issue ultimatums and to employ its well-thumbed encyclopedia of coercion to raise pressure in the run-up to the parliamentary vote. Yerevan has few options to resist.

Emil Avdaliani is a research fellow at the Turan Research Center and a professor of international relations at the European University in Tbilisi, Georgia. His research focuses on the history of silk roads and the interests of great powers in the Middle East and the Caucasus.

Europe’s Edge is CEPA’s online journal covering critical topics on the foreign policy docket across Europe and North America. All opinions expressed on Europe’s Edge are those of the author alone and may not represent those of the institutions they represent or the Center for European Policy Analysis. CEPA maintains a strict intellectual independence policy across all its projects and publications.

https://cepa.org/article/russia-to-armenia-do-as-we-say/

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168: Zori Balayan died

Antonian Lara

April 5, 2026

Writer, public speaker, public and political figure, doctor, active participant of the Karabakh movement, People’s Deputy of the USSR Zori Balayan died. This was reported by his son, Hayk Balayan.

He was 91 years old.

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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

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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”.

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On behalf of Serzh Sargsyan, tribute was paid to the heroes of the Four Day War

Antonian Lara

On behalf of Serzh Sargsyan, the third president of the Republic of Armenia, the chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia, a tribute was paid today at the “Yerablur” military pantheon. in memory of the heroes who died during the April victorious war and all the Armenians who sacrificed their lives in the Artsakh Liberation War.

On behalf of President Sargsyan, a wreath was laid at the memorial complex commemorating the fallen freedom fighters.

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RA will not take a radical step. Pashinyan about the contract with Russia

Antonian Lara
Photo: 1lurer.am

Yerevan has legal mechanisms for early resolution of the concession agreement for the management of Armenian railways with the Russian side, but the government does not intend to take that radical step. The authorities expect to settle all differences within the framework of constructive dialogue.


This was announced by the Prime Minister during the briefing held in the government on April 2 Nikol Pashinyancommenting on the President of the Russian Federation on April 1 Vladimir Putin the details of the negotiations with According to the head of the government, the leaders of the countries thoroughly discussed the transport issue, presented their positions and agreed to continue the consultations.


Pashinyan emphasized that the main goal of Yerevan is to fully realize its transit and competitive potential, while avoiding harming the interests of the Russian side, as Armenia highly values ​​the existing friendly relations.


The fiduciary management of the Armenian railway network was transferred to the Russian state company “Russian Railways” (RZD) in 2008 for a period of 30 years with the right to extend for another 10 years. However, recently, the Armenian side more often emphasizes the need to speed up the pace of infrastructure modernization.


In particular, Yerevan expects the urgent restoration of the strategically important sections leading to the borders of Turkey (Akhurik) and Nakhijevan (Yeraskh), as well as the Tavush region (up to the Ijevan station).


Earlier, the prime minister warned that if the Russian side does not carry out the works in due time, Armenia is ready to carry out the reconstruction with its own funds. In addition, in February, the head of the government did not rule out the possibility that a friendly third country could buy the right to manage the railway from Russia.

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Criminal prosecution was initiated against 3 persons in the incident of Saint Anna church.

Antonian Lara

During the preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings initiated in connection with the incident that took place in the Saint Anna Church in Yerevan, a public criminal prosecution was initiated against 3 persons.


“During the preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings initiated on March 29, 2026 in connection with the incident in Saint Anna Church, a public criminal prosecution was initiated against D.M. under Article 297, Part 1 (hooliganism) and Article 452, Part 3 (interfering with the legal service or political activities of an official) of the Criminal Code, against M.M., under Article 46-297 with part 1 (supporting hooliganism) and part 3 of Article 46-452 (supporting interference with the lawful official or political activities of an official) and with respect to G.G. with part 1 of Article 46-297 (organizing hooliganism) and part 3 of Article 46-452 (official (organizing interference with legitimate official or political activities),” the report of the Investigative Committee states.

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RFE/RL – Armenian PM Again Accuses Opposition Of Inciting War

Antonian Lara
  • Ruzanna Stepanian
March 25, 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in parliament (file photo)

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Wednesday doubled down on accusations against his political rivals of planning to undermine peace with Azerbaijan if they manage to come to power as a result of upcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session in parliament boycotted by the two opposition factions, Pashinian hit back at the claims that he is trying to intimidate the public with the prospect of another war for electoral purposes.

He again criticized opposition platforms, arguing that their pledges to renegotiate an initialed peace deal with Azerbaijan, seek international guarantors, or raise the issue of the return of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh would “open the door” to renewed conflict with Azerbaijan.

Pashinian said the June 7 parliamentary elections would amount to a choice between continuing or abandoning the Karabakh movement, which began in the final years of the Soviet Union and led to decades of tensions and wars between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region.

“Today, Civil Contract is the only political force that clearly says that it has decided that we are not continuing the Karabakh movement,” he said. “All other forces say that they will continue the Karabakh movement, and the people should make their decision. If people decide that the Karabakh movement continues, it will mean war, because the Karabakh movement is a war.”

He reiterated that a reference in Armenia’s constitution to the 1990 Declaration of Independence, which, in its turn, cites a 1989 act on unification between Soviet Armenia and the then Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast inside Soviet Azerbaijan, amounts to continuing that movement. Pashinian has previously pledged to remove the provision through a constitutional referendum, saying Azerbaijan views it as a territorial claim hindering a final peace agreement.

Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh broke free from Baku’s control in the early 1990s after three years of fighting that left some 30,000 people dead on both sides.

Azerbaijan regained control over the region following the 2020 and 2023 wars against Armenia-backed forces, which killed several thousand people on both sides and prompted the mass exodus of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population.

Opposition leaders have rejected Pashinian’s accusations of inciting war, insisting they support peace while advocating for stronger security guarantees from international actors. They have criticized the peace deal initialed by Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington last year for lacking such guarantees.

Former President Robert Kocharian described Pashinian’s statements as “absurd,” saying it was contradictory for a leader who “has brought three wars” to Armenia to speak about peace. He also called the narrative that “if it is not us, then it will be war” both “dangerous” and “humiliating.”

“Yes, we must do everything to avoid war, but that does not mean making concessions,” Kocharian said. “It means having dignified diplomacy, dignified policies.”

Opposition figures have also accused Pashinian of using war rhetoric for electoral purposes. Artsvik Minasian, an opposition lawmaker allied with Kocharian, argued on Tuesday that such statements intended to influence voters amount to a “crime.”

“It is a threat designed to influence people’s will, which is prohibited and is a criminally punishable act,” Minasian said.

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Authorities dismiss report on labor, health ministry merger

Antonian Lara
Armenia10:14, 24 March 2026
Read the article in: Armenian:

Authorities on Tuesday denied a media report claiming that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health would be merged into a single ministry.

Nver Kostanyan, spokesperson for Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan, branded the report as fake and said that no such plans exist.

“One of the media outlets has once again circulated false information, claiming that the issue of merging the Ministries of Labor and Social Affairs and Health is currently under discussion. Not limiting themselves to publishing entirely false information, the authors of the piece have gone on to weave conspiracies around their fabricated ‘news’ and to speak about supposed ‘discontent’ regarding a non-existent project. Dear colleagues, a project to merge the ministries has neither been discussed nor circulated at any time over the past eight years, and it is not being discussed now. I urge you, once and for all, to stop speculating on this topic,” Kostanyan said in a statement on social media.

Read the article in: Armenian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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