Author: Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS

Businesswomen from Armenia and the Diaspora visited the statue of Christ

Emil Lazarian

The flow of people to the top of Hatis does not stop. Business women from Armenia and the Diaspora united today to become a part of this important historical day.

From different countries, in different ways, but united around one idea and one goal, they are here today to emphasize the power of national unity with their presence, support and faith.

The “Hatis” mega project, with the construction of the statue of Christ and the Noah’s Ark complex, will not only become a source of pride for future generations, but will also breathe new life into the region, developing tourism, creating new opportunities and making Armenia more recognizable in the world.


Gagik Tsarukyan


 


Video here

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168: In Hungary, Trump’s support posts did not work, it is not a fact that they will work

Emil Lazarian

May 29, 2026


Sergey Markedonov, a Russian Caucasian scholar and political analyst in his Telegram channel, he referred to the public support of US President Donald Trump to Nikol Pashinyan ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on June 7.

He described it as the participation of “large-caliber” political artillery in the process. According to Markedonov, after Marco Rubio’s brief visit to the Yerevan airport, US President Donald Trump announced his support for Nikol Pashinyan and his “Civil Pact” party in the Armenian parliamentary elections, which, naturally, Russian commentators recorded this application of the American president on the “Truth Social” social network as another proof of the geopolitical turn of the Armenian authorities to the West.

“First, Trump says that Nikol [Vovai] Pashinyan “fully shares” his “vision of peace and prosperity for Armenia and the entire South Caucasus region.” Secondly, the US president concludes that in the event of Pashinyan’s victory, “we, the United States, Armenia, the South Caucasus and Central Asia will raise to unprecedented heights”.

Everything in these theses is wonderful. But there is a subtlety. For the American leader, his vision and US interests are in the forefront. Armenia is part of a larger geopolitical canvas, not even Caucasian, but Eurasian (Central Asia is not mentioned here, for the sake of a nice word). The United States seeks to secure its special, privileged position here. To achieve this goal, the elections in Armenia are considered as one of many problems. This formulation is well known to lecturers (especially in the field of students’ graduation theses and term papers defense): one goal and 5-10 problems. The goal of Trump and his team is to prevent any integration configuration in Eurasia unauthorized by Washington. There are many problems. Here is both the “settlement” with Georgia and the implementation of the infamous TRIPP (which is why Pashinyan’s team needs successful elections in Armenia). It is clear that such a view is not an equal and mutually beneficial partnership, but an invitation to play the role of a fragment for the external mosaic created by an extra-regional constructor. Markedonov expressed a similar opinion.

Read also

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  • “Railways of Armenia” hostage to political “games” with Russia
  • EAEU warns Yerevan. what will follow the statement of the EAEU leaders?

He also believes that there may be many grievances against Russia.

“And your humble servant has repeatedly written that he does not encourage either “agricultural-economic bans”, threats to “cut off gas”, or constant public reproaches about “parasitism”. But the topic of gas, like the South Caucasian railway, “Zangezur” copper-molybdenum combine, “Yandex” and many other topics, for many years have been about mutual benefit, not the puzzle of a geopolitical chess game.

At least until 2023, there were similar mutual benefits from security cooperation. Even if it has failed and is in a crisis, the disease should be treated, not “cut off and thrown away from the writer’s bosom”.

In Trumpian fashion, “friend” help is a de facto call to throw away what worked, replacing it with running after a ghostly “bluebird” (an unreal dream). In the case of Hungary, Trump’s notes did not work. It is not a fact that they will work in Armenia as well. But even if they suddenly “get it”, the story will not end there. As long as the lessons are learned.” Sergey Markedonov expressed a similar opinion.

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EAEU warns Yerevan. what will follow the statement of the EAEU leaders?

Emil Lazarian

May 29, 2026


Today, the session of the Eurasian Economic Council was held in Astana. The heads of the EAMU first held negotiations with a small group, then with an expanded group, they summarized the work with their speeches, congratulating each other on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the union. However, the main geopolitical intrigue of this EAEU session was the question of Armenia’s further membership in the union and its economic future. Obviously, this was one of the most tense issues of this session.  Russian President Vladimir Putin, taking into account recent attempts to change Yerevan’s foreign political vector and rapprochement with Brussels and Washington, has repeatedly urged Armenia to make a final decision and choose between two different integration models.

Moscow has clearly signaled that the adoption of European standards will sooner or later lead to legal conflicts with EAEU regulations, and Armenia will not be able to advance its European integration process at the expense of the Eurasian Union’s economic and financial privileges.

The authorities of RA, in response to multi-level criticism from Russia, declare that they will continue to stay in the EAEU as long as it does not conflict with the EU integration process.

In recent days, Nikol Pashinyan also announced that he will not allow Lukashenko to use EAEU against Armenia, as he has sufficient leverage and significant influence in EAEU. Ahead of this session, Russia announced at different, highest levels, that the issue of Armenia will be discussed at this session. And although no leader addressed Armenia in the public part of the session, after the session the assistant of the Russian president, Yuri Ushakov, announced that the EAEU 4 leaders joined the statement on Armenia and forwarded it to RA Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, who participated in the work. He also reported that the statement will be published on the official website of the Russian President, that is, the statement was the initiative of the Russian President, which was joined by other heads of the EAEU. By the way, the session of the EAEU High Council with a small composition lasted for 2 hours, and perhaps, it was during this part that the issue of Armenia was most likely discussed.

Read also

  • These are in a panic. The USA acts in coordination with the Russian Federation. Washington will work with any new force in Armenia. Stepan Danielyan
  • “Railways of Armenia” hostage to political “games” with Russia
  • Trump’s supporting posts did not work in Hungary, it is not a fact that they will work in Armenia, even if “it works for them”, the story will not end there. Markedonov

Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov announced after the session that along with the rapprochement with the EU, sooner or later, Armenia will find itself in a situation where the norms adopted by it will contradict the EAEU norms and rules. Therefore, according to him, EAEU membership is incompatible with the EU. “And besides, there is another big question. moving towards the European Union, which is the absolute sovereign right of Armenia, Armenia cannot and should not do so at the expense of the EAEU countries’ finances. He has to do it at his own expense. Everything is absolutely understandable, transparent and clear,” said Peskov. CIS General Secretary Sergey Lebedev also announced that the issue of Armenia’s intentions regarding the EU and EAEU is fundamental.

“In my opinion, this issue will be discussed amicably. On the other hand, the question is fundamentally as follows. you choose either the EAEU or the EU. The EU has a very long history, many countries want to join the EU, the history of joining the EU stretches for years. And the EAEU is a reality, from which it is impossible to turn away now. A lot depends on Armenia here.” he said. According to Lebedev, Armenia also realizes the significance of the Eurasian Economic Union.

“Therefore, now, as [Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol] Pashinyan and many other figures have already announced, no one is going to sever ties with the EAEU. Therefore, the cooperation will continue. Well, as for the EU, we will see there,” he added.

Thus, although the actual text of the adopted statement regarding Armenia has not yet been made public, the behind-the-scenes logic of the session and the simultaneous statements of high-ranking officials of the Russian Federation allow us to assume its main content. Most likely, the document agreed behind closed doors reflects the joint position of the leaders of the EAEU member states regarding the fundamental incompatibility of the Eurasian and European economic models. At this stage, it was extremely important for Moscow to remove the problem exclusively from the level of Armenian-Russian bilateral differences and to show that Yerevan’s tactics of “sitting on two chairs” are of concern to all the founders of the union.

In conversation with us Russian analyst Alexander Khramchikhin said that as a first step, it was important for the Russian side to support the other partner countries regarding the vision of the future of the EAEU of Armenia, because the created situation is unprecedented for the EAEU.

According to him, if in the past in the post-Soviet territory, the Russian Federation was involved in similar reversals of other countries, then it acted alone, because it was not part of the unions with those countries. According to the analyst, this is a special situation when the country, being part of one union, is on the path of integration into another union. In addition, the analyst believes that if Minsk’s position, taking into account the diplomatic differences with Yerevan, was predictable, then Astana and Bishkek joining this approach of the Russian Federation was important for Russia, which may mean that a consensus has been formed in the EAEU, or the EAEU is issuing a joint warning to Armenia.

“Using the Union’s economic privileges, cheap energy sources and a huge market is considered as a privilege that is politically difficult to accept and reconcile with a country that is approaching the EU on legal, political and other levels, which is in contrast with the EAEU.

With this, Russia shows its determination and the fact that a consensus can be formed regarding the future of Armenia’s membership in the EAEU, which should be taken seriously in Armenia. With this, Russia wants Yerevan to stop maneuvering and to understand that they can be united on this issue in EAEU. However, I believe that Armenia will be crushed as long as possible. I think there will be an official response to the statement from the Republic of Armenia, after which EAEU will discuss further possibilities. Obviously, in Armenia, they are confident that EAEU will not make the issue of withdrawing Armenia from the structure a subject of discussion, because the right of veto is valid, and decisions are made by consensus. However, in the current situation, it is not necessary to rule out any scenario.” he said.

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I met Narek Karapetyan, I was even more disappointed with Nikol Pashinyan. Lord Vrtanes

Emil Lazarian

May 29, 2026

The priest of Aragatsotn Diocese, the spiritual pastor of St. Hovhannes Church in Byurakan, Fr.։

Below are some excerpts from the conversation:

● For me, the holiday of this independence, the First Republic, begins with the return of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin from Ss to Etchmiadzin in 1441, which we will also celebrate in the near future on June 7. The First Republic was the answer to the prayers of those who were at the beginning of the relocation, which was also born in the battle of Sardarapat, Aparan, Vanadzor. And the church, the people, the military-political leadership showed themselves to be heroic. If there are no people in the Republic who are ready to lay down their lives for the sake of the motherland, that motherland cannot survive. Homelands are born with patriotism, states are created with union and are destroyed due to lack of patriotism, naturally.

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● Those who call us “agents” have no idea of ​​the state. some rulers try to identify themselves with the state, and they consider their seat, their personal interests, their reproduction, also in the seats of power, to be the existence of the state, and oppose it to the church. The church has never acted against the state. in the period when we lost our statehood, the idea of ​​statehood was kept by the church, and its manifestation was the First Republic, which was formed on the basis of the community of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and also by the martyrdom of churchmen.

● Praise be to God, the simple people, most of them appreciate the church, the merit of the church. if we are agents, we are agents of our nation, agents of our church, and the highest value for us is our faith, our statehood, the steadfastness of our homeland. And we cannot be silent when we have prisoners of the Armenian nation in Baku prisons, we also cannot be silent when our shrines are being destroyed in the territory of Artsakh, the silence of some authorities is also condemnable by us, regarding the issue of the Genocide, the issue of the return of captives, the issue of the rights of the people of Artsakh.

● The authorities are not able to control the situation, they are not conducting an election campaign, an honest election campaign. First, CP should not have been registered. The Central Electoral Commission had to refuse their registration because there were unconstitutional clauses in their pre-election program. The presence of unconstitutional clauses to interfere in the affairs of the Church and the Mother See is an opportunity for Nikol Pashinyan to use administrative resources, election frauds, etc., to use violence against the church in case of recurrence, he will have to give his hands free by presenting to the public or the international community that the people have given him such a mandate.

● We see that disorganized clergymen, former clergymen, for example, Stepan, Aramais, and similar disorganized clergymen take an active part in the gatherings of the government. For example, I saw Stepan Asatryan’s statement on his Facebook page against Reverend Mkrtich, he said that he was forced to participate in opposition meetings, when I was a priest of that same diocese, I was never forced to participate in opposition meetings. And we see that today Stepan Asatryan, Aramayis and other rioters like them are actively involved in various gatherings of the authorities and even left Hovannavank, which was occupied illegally, by self-righteousness, under the patronage of a state official, and participates in the pre-election campaign with friends and girlfriends. they provide headcount for these gatherings of the authorities.

● The military parade was for display, but I would like the content to be, not to be like the history of the SUs that they were there, but the missiles were not there, it is not a military parade, it is a military exercise, and Armenia will have to conduct joint military exercises from time to time to increase the combat capability of the army. And also, if you have purchased military equipment, why is there such an unnatural fear of Aliyev?

● In any case, I will not vote for the current authorities myself, because I do not share their domestic and foreign policies, but there are wonderful candidates who can be voted for: Robert Kocharyan, Arman Tatoyan, Samvel Karapetyan, a great national benefactor.

For example, I recently met Narek Karapetyan during his visit to Byuraka. I wish I hadn’t met him, because after meeting him, I became even more disappointed with Nikol Pashinyan. At the end, a buffet table was prepared there. I paid special attention to how he will use the table. he did not use the table, he entertained the people around him.

● The leader of Aragatsotn Diocese, Mkrtich Srbazan, is at liberty. we will also celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Diocese, but our joy is not complete, because sanctions are applied to the Holy Father. The holy father does not have the right to visit the presbytery, to visit the churches of the diocese, to meet the priests of the diocese. For example, it was very difficult for me to attend a meeting with a priest at the Mother See and not have an intimate conversation with the diocesan leader.

● I will give my vote to a candidate who has a chance to enter the parliament, that is, my vote will not fall into dust under any circumstances, and I will not vote for the current authorities, but if there are citizens who will go and vote for themselves, it is their free right, I would simply ask our citizens to go and participate in the election, their vote is very decisive, the vote of each of us is decisive.

● We don’t want to look at Mount Ararat in fear, we want to have a powerful army that will ensure our security, we want good relations with our neighboring friends.

● The Lord is our shepherd, and we shall lack nothing. we don’t have it now, we won’t have it forever, and as a message, I will tell our society to go to the polls, to fulfill their civic duty, for the sake of our statehood, our motherland and for the good of our church.

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The Russians will not come to save Armenians or Moldovans, now everyone is on

Emil Lazarian
Eurasia Daily
May 29 2026
The Russians will not come to save Armenians or Moldovans, now everyone is on their own — Moldovan Wagon Shopping Center

Nikol Pashinyan, who sold Armenia to Azerbaijanis and Turks, is a very clever populist. He distributes the money received from parallel imports to Russia and says that the Russians are to blame for everything. It looks like Moldova, but now the Russians will no longer come to save either the Armenians or us, writes the TV channel “Moldavian Wagon”.

Pashinyan says that he dismisses the slogan “death or freedom”, which Armenia has been guided by since the collapse of the USSR. Now: “Armenia is a state of life, not death.” We don’t have to choose between death and freedom. We must live and be free. But, in fact, Pashinyan offers Armenians a choice without a choice — to die freely under the Turkish so-called “great Turan”. It’s like in Moldova, under Romanian.

But there are nuances, Pashinyan is very popular in Armenia. He raised people’s pensions. Where does the money come from? Parallel import to Russia. And banking transactions with Russian companies. He is a tough populist. He wets all the former politicians from the Karabakh clan, to the delight of the Armenians. Because the old clans dragged everything that wasn’t nailed down. Pashiyan also drags. But. Those old ones got people more.

The most important thing. Pashinyan is popular because he saved people from such a stupid chimera as patriotism. He explained very clearly to people why they should not have defended Karabakh, why Russian soldiers should have done it, and therefore Russia is to blame for not saving Karabakh, which is not recognized by Armenia.

Well, that is, ideally, for almost every resident of the country. A scheme that frees you from everything. It’s like in Moldova, if the government has destroyed the entire economy of the country, then Russia is to blame, it is she who has covered the gas for us and is waging a hybrid war against Moldovans.

Pashinyan says:

“We lost the war. But this is not our responsibility, the Russians are to blame for everything. Personally, Putin is to blame. The CSTO. How could we fight if Putin did not recognize Karabakh? How could we do something if it was the Russians who had to do something?”

So it is in In Moldova, the opposition cannot do anything by itself, it is waiting for the Russians who will come and overthrow the Sandu regime, they themselves cannot do anything. A comfortable position, right?

Pashinyan will win the elections in Armenia, as well as PDS — Sandu will win once again in Moldova. But this time, and now always, the Russians will not come to save the Moldovans or Armenians, now somehow we have to get out of this shit ourselves.

More details: https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/05/29/the-russians-will-not-come-to-save-armenians-or-moldovans-now-everyone-is-on-their-own-moldovan-wagon-shopping-center

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

Emil Lazarian
OC Media
May 29 2026

Voters are set to choose the country’s next ruling party in what will be the first regularly scheduled parliamentary vote since 2017.

On 7 June, nearly  2.5 million eligible voters in Armenia will choose between 18 parties and alliances competing for seats in parliament.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party is expected to face its strongest challenge from three major opposition blocs: the Strong Armenia Alliance, backed by Russian–Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan; the Armenia Alliance, the main parliamentary opposition alliance led by former president Robert Kocharyan; and the Prosperous Armenia party led by businessperson Gagik Tsarukyan.

Armenia’s formerly ruling Republican Party, which was previously present in parliament as part of the I Have Honour alliance, will sit out the elections.

Civil Contract

Slogan: Stand for peace.

The Civil Contract party, led by Pashinyan, has ruled Armenia since the 2018 Velvet Revolution and remains the frontrunner in the upcoming elections. The key question is whether the party can once again secure a constitutional majority, allowing it to govern without coalition partners and push through constitutional changes.

Civil Contract entered parliament in 2017 as part of the Way Out Alliance with just 7.7% of the vote. The following year, after then-president Serzh Sargsyan attempted to remain in power as prime minister, which became possible after a constitutional change, Pashinyan launched a protest campaign which ultimately forced Sargsyan’s resignation.

Running in the subsequent 2018 snap elections under the My Step Alliance, Civil Contract won over 70% of the vote.

Pashinyan’s biggest challenge has remained Armenia’s defeat in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, which sparked mass protests and demands for his resignation. Despite the crisis, Civil Contract retained power in the 2021 snap elections, winning 54% of the vote.

At the party’s 2025 congress, Pashinyan pledged to establish a ‘Fourth Republic of Armenia’ if re-elected, centred around adopting a new constitution — an issue repeatedly raised by Azerbaijan as a precondition for signing the initialled peace treaty.

Pashinyan has, since 2024, heavily promoted his ‘Real Armenia’ ideology, insisting that Armenians must accept modern Armenia within its current borders. He has also warned that an opposition victory could lead to renewed war with Azerbaijan as they want to ‘revise’ the peace, and has further accused his main rivals of maintaining foreign ties, labelling them as a ‘three-headed war party’.

In foreign policy, Pashinyan has said he wants a ‘balanced and balancing’ approach, making efforts to normalise relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey and deepen cooperation with the EU and the US, while at the same time maintaining ties with Russia.

Civil Contract is currently polling in first place, according to the latest International Republican Institute (IRI) poll, with 32% of respondents saying they would vote for the party as of 22 May.

Strong Armenia

Slogan: Change only with Samvel Karapetyan.

Russian–Armenian tycoon Samvel Karapetyan, whose estimated wealth of $4.4 billion amounts to around half of the country’s entire public budget, was largely uninvolved in politics before he made his entry in June 2025.

Interestingly, Karapetyan’s brother, Karen Karapetyan, has longstanding ties to Armenia’s former ruling Republican Party, serving as an MP from 2007–2008 and 2012–2018, as well as chief of staff to then-president Sargsyan.

Samvel Karapetyan’s engagement in the political sphere, however, only came after he was arrested following remarks in defence of the Armenian Apostolic Church amidst escalating tensions between the Church and Pashinyan’s government. Authorities swiftly charged him with calling for the usurpation of power, while also adding separate money laundering charges.

Explainer | How Pashinyan is working to topple Catholicos Karekin II

Today, the campaign is formally led by his nephew, Narek Karapetyan, though in reality Samvel Karapetyan continues directing it from house arrest.

Despite polling strongly enough to likely enter parliament independently, Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party chose to form a broader alliance with the smaller New Era and United Armenians parties. The Country to Live party — linked to another Russian–Armenian tycoon, Ruben Vardanyan, jailed in Azerbaijan since September 2023 — later signed a cooperation memorandum with the bloc.

Although named as the alliance’s candidate for prime minister, Karapetyan is constitutionally barred from the post due to holding citizenship of another country. Even so, the alliance has pledged to change the constitution if elected to pave the way for his candidacy.

Explainer | Who is Samvel Karapetyan, the Russian–Armenian billionaire whose empire is under siege

The alliance has promised sweeping economic reforms, but concerns remain over Karapetyan’s vast business interests in Russia and reported ties to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), with many questioning how independently he could shape Armenia’s foreign policy. Karapetyan has rejected all allegations, however, insisting Armenia will remain his sole priority.

In addition to the charges against Karapetyan, dozens of others have also been arrested, mostly accused of attempting to bribe voters.

Although there is no figure for the total number of members of the party arrested, Armenian authorities announced that from February to 19 May, 57 criminal proceedings had been launched related to electoral crimes. These cases predominantly included Karapetyan’s alliance affiliates. For his part, Karapetyan has rejected handing out any bribes.

Strong Armenia is currently in second place according to the latest poll, with 6% of respondents saying they would vote for the party as of 22 May.

The Armenia Alliance

Slogan: Together we can.

The alliance, which emerged as the largest opposition bloc following the 2021 snap elections, is once again led by Armenia’s former President Robert Kocharyan.

Born in Nagorno-Karabakh, Kocharyan served as the region’s president before moving to Armenia in 1997, when he was appointed prime minister. A year later, he was elected Armenia’s president and remained in office until 2008. The end of his tenure was marked by the deadly crackdown on post-election protests on 1 March 2008, after the opposition disputed the election results as rigged.

Pashinyan was among the protest leaders, and after he came to power, Kocharyan was charged over his alleged role in the violence.

After entering parliament in 2021 — though Kocharyan at the time refused to take his seat in parliament, saying that, ‘by virtue’ of his character, he had ‘always been a person of executive power’ — the alliance fell apart by the end of 2022. This was largely the result of Reborn Armenia’s decision to leave parliament, supporting other MPs from the Armenia Alliance and I Have Honour blocs, who boycotted parliament beginning in May that year, demanding the government’s resignation and holding parallel street protests against what they alleged was Pashinyan’s ‘readiness to make major concessions’ to Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Now, Kocharyan’s alliance returns in a different configuration: still including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, it is now joined by the newly established Forward Party, founded by former Republican Party member Sevak Khachatryan. This party is replacing Reborn Armenia, the party chaired by former Syunik governor Vahe Hakobyan, who was also an ex-member of the Republican Party.

Kocharyan has accused Pashinyan of eroding ties with Russia and advocates for deeper ties with Russia and what he describes as a ‘guaranteed peace’, suggesting that Russia, the US, China, and France could play a role in securing it.

The Armenia Alliance came in third place in the latest poll, with 3% of respondents saying they would vote for the party as of 22 May.

Prosperous Armenia

Slogan: Guaranteed peace, prosperous Armenia, well-off life.

Eccentric tycoon Gagik Tsarukyan founded his party in 2004, and previously formed coalitions with Sargysan’s governments. After their relations deteriorated, Tsarukyan stepped back from politics in 2015, returning ahead of the 2017 parliamentary elections, when his party re-entered parliament.

For the 2026 elections, the party is running via the Proposal to Armenia programme, together with Andranik Tevanyan’s Mother Armenia Alliance and Suren Surenyants’s Democratic Alternative, on a joint list. The coalition is yet to announce their prime ministerial candidate, though Tsarukyan has claimed that it will not be him.

Tsarukyan has described his programme as a ‘political and civic Noah’s Ark’ guiding the country to ‘salvation and rebirth’. He has separately pledged to construct a Noah’s Ark memorial after completing what he says will be the world’s tallest Jesus Christ statue, claiming the works will draw ‘millions’ of tourists.

Over two weeks ahead of the elections, however, the party faces trouble.

On 21 May, Tevanyan was charged with espionage and treason, as part of what appears to be the first investigation into Russian-backed espionage and treason since Armenia gained its independence. Tevanyan has been accused of being recruited by foreign intelligence services in 2024 and of passing on state secrets in exchange for $622,000, accusations he denies.

Separately, reporting by the independent Russian media outlet The Insider, citing leaks from Russia’s now-disbanded Directorate for Interregional and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, included copies of Tsarukyan’s passport as well as financial estimates related to his 2017 election campaign.

Tsarukyan has clear business ties in Russia and is also friends with Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Previously, in 1979, he was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for robbery and the gang rape of two Russian tourists. The verdict, however, was overturned in 2001 following an appeal by Tsarukyan.

Prosperous Armenia is currently tied for fifth place, with 1% of respondents saying they would vote for the party in the latest poll.

The Meritocratic Party of Armenia

Slogan: Work creates strength, strength creates rights.

Despite being founded only in 2025, the party ranked fourth in the latest IRI poll published in late May, with 2% of respondents saying they would vote for it in the upcoming elections, behind Tsarukyan’s party.

Gurgen Simonyan, the chair of the party, advocates Armenia’s withdrawal from Russia-led blocs, including the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), while calling for deeper integration with Western institutions.

Simonyan previously served in Armenia’s Public Council in 2019–2020, an advisory body for the Armenian government.

The New Power party

Slogan: Let’s build a Kargin (‘Proper’) country.

The party, founded in 2024, is led by ex-Yerevan mayor and well-known comedian Hayk Marutyan. Their slogan is a reference to Kargin Haghordum (Proper Show), a popular comedy sketch series co-created by Marutyan that has aired since the early 2000s.

Marutyan was a prominent supporter of Armenia’s Velvet Revolution, following which he was elected Yerevan mayor with the then-ruling My Step Alliance. He was ousted in 2021 via a no-confidence vote by the ruling coalition, however, and since then, has taken an oppositional stance.

Through his leadership of the National Progress party, Marutyan came to be the main challenger of the ruling Civil Contract in the 2023 Yerevan City Council elections, coming in second. In February 2024, however, he was removed from the council over accusations he had missed too many council sessions. Later that same year, Marutyan and the National Progress party ended their cooperation, leading Marutyan to found his own party.

This election will mark Marutyan’s first run in parliamentary elections. His campaign has focused heavily on satire and mocking videos mostly targeting Pashinyan. Marutyan has also left open the possibility of cooperating with Karapetyan’s alliance.

The New Power party was below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Armenian National Congress

Slogan: A sensible path for Armenia.

Though ostensibly headed by the 81-year-old first president of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the party has been fronted in the campaign by its prime ministerial candidate, Levon Zurabyan.

The party emerged in 2008 as an alliance of opposition parties and activists backing Ter-Petrosyan following the disputed presidential election that year — five years later, it was officially established as a party. The alliance entered parliament in 2012, with Pashinyan among its MPs, though subsequent electoral attempts failed.

Ter-Petrosyan and Pashinyan were once close allies, jointly leading protests after the 2008 election, but relations between them have sharply deteriorated, especially since 2025 amidst mutual accusations and criticism. Ter-Petrosyan has also backed the Church in its ongoing confrontation with Pashinyan.

Despite repeatedly expressing sympathy for Karapetyan and calling for opposition consolidation around him, talks between the Armenian National Congress and Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia Alliance failed to produce an agreement.

The party has vowed to continue the process of establishing peace and normalising relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as establishing the TRIPP+BRICS Concept, with which they believe ‘Armenia will overcome its landlocked status, becoming a strategic international transit hub’.

The Armenian National Congress was below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

Wings of Unity

Slogan: Justice is coming.

The Wings of Unity party, formed in 2025, is led by former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, who held the post from 2016 to 2022. He was arguably Armenia’s most popular human rights defender in light of his fact-finding activities reporting on the damages caused by Azerbaijan since the 2020 war and subsequent escalations.

Prior to 2016, Tatoyan served as deputy foreign minister during Sargsyan’s presidency.

The party also includes former State Revenue Committee head Davit Ananyan, who served under Pashinyan from 2018 until resigning in 2020. Earlier, under Sargsyan, he had served as deputy finance minister.

Its electoral list also includes members of the nationalist Shant Alliance party.

The party says it aims to ‘build an Armenia without hidden agendas’.

The Armenian Independence Observers group filed a report alleging illegal party financing following an investigation by the Dossier Centre, which suggested that the party’s pre-election campaign may have operated on a $2.5 million budget over five months and involved coordination with Russian political consultants linked to Kremlin-affiliated structures.

Leaked documents show Russian plans to unseat Pashinyan, ties between Karapetyan and Putin

The Wings of Unity party is currently tied for fifth place, with 1% of respondents saying they would vote for the party in the latest poll.

Bright Armenia

Slogan: Defend your identity.

Bright Armenia was founded in December 2015 by Edmon Marukyan, who is best known for having served as Armenia’s Ambassador-at-Large from March 2022 until February 2024, when he resigned citing ‘differences in our views on several fundamental foreign policy issues’.

Ahead of the 2017 parliamentary elections, the party joined forces with Civil Contract and the Republic Party to form the Way Out alliance, which cleared the electoral threshold.

The party’s strongest result came in the 2018 snap parliamentary elections, when it entered parliament independently. However, in the 2021 elections, it failed to pass the electoral threshold.

In its most recent campaign, the party has advocated for Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan, convicted of publicly calling for a coup in October 2025, for the presidency, arguing that Armenia should not have a president who ‘has no disagreements with the executive branch and does not balance the judicial and legislative powers’. The party will not nominate a candidate for prime minister.

The Bright Armenia party was below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Republic party

Slogan: For you, Armenia, for you.

The party was founded in 2001 by Aram Sargsyan, who briefly served as Armenia’s prime minister from 1999–2000 following the assassination of his brother and then-prime minister Vazgen Sargsyan, a founding figure of the Armenian Armed Forces who played a central role in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.

In 2017, it was part of the Way Out alliance alongside Civil Contract and Bright Armenia. In 2023, it entered into a governing coalition in Yerevan with Civil Contract after no party secured a majority in the city council elections.

The party was also part of Eurovote, a civic initiative that collected over 60,000 signatures and succeeded in pushing Armenia’s Parliament to adopt a bill calling on the government to pursue EU integration in 2025.

The Republic party is currently below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Rally For The Republic party

Slogan: Your voice in the Parliament.

The party was registered in 2021 and is chaired by Arman Babajanyan, who entered parliament in 2018 as a member of Bright Armenia before later serving as an independent MP.

The party has a pro-Western stance and was among the members of the Eurovote initiative. In particular, it advocates normalisation with neighbouring countries, Armenia’s withdrawal from the Russian-led CSTO and the EAEU, and exclusively ‘horizontal’ relations with Russia.

The Rally For The Republic party is currently below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Christian-Democratic Party of Armenia

Slogan: Vote for justice.

Founded in February 2021, the party is led by political analyst Levon Shirinyan. That year, Shirinyan ran with Babajanyan as the Shirinyan–Babajanyan Democrats Alliance, but the coalition failed to pass the electoral threshold and did not enter parliament.

Shirinyan has positioned his party against both Armenia’s return to Russian influence and the comeback of Armenia’s former ‘criminal-oligarchic’ political elites.

The Christian-Democratic Party of Armenia is currently below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Against All Democratic Party

Slogan: Against all.

Registered in March 2026, less than three months before the elections, it describes itself as an alternative political party with an alternative offer.

The party aims to form a 100-day government, amend the Electoral Code, and trigger new elections through its resignation, while pledging not to contest the next vote. It argues the current system ensures ‘the absolute power of a single party, regardless of the election results’, and calls for abolishing the stable majority rule, lowering the electoral threshold, and introducing a ‘against all’ ballot to guarantee ‘a real choice, not a forced one’ and those votes to converted into vacant mandates.

Its prime ministerial candidate is human rights activist Nina Karapetyants, who vows to step away from politics for 10 years after serving.

The party has held a unique campaign, beginning by throwing mud at the logos of all the candidates in a reference to the common Armenian idiom ‘to throw mud’, meaning to defame or discredit.

The Against All Democratic party is currently tied for fifth place, with 1% of respondents saying they would vote for the party.

The Democratic Consolidation party

Slogan: Let’s build the Armenian state.

Founded in 2021, the party is chaired by Suren Petrosyan, a prominent supporter of the Tavush for the Motherland movement, which opposed border delimitation in Armenia’s northern Tavush region in 2024. Petrosyan later stepped back from the movement in mid-June 2024, following large-scale protests against Pashinyan’s government.

The party takes a middling stance, supporting the maintenance of strong relations with Russia, while also deepening relations with the EU and US.

The Democratic Consolidation party is currently below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Kochari National Revival and National Awakening Party

Slogan: Victory is not only a memory of the past, but also a goal of the future.

The party, founded in March 2026, vows to ‘hire a 50–80 thousand private army and to liberate Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] and Nakhchivan’.

The party is chaired by Artak Sargsyan, with his brother Arman Sargsyan serving as vice-chair. According to media reports, the pair, known as the ‘Arthur Brothers’, have long been involved in controversial political and business activities in Kenya and the Maldives, including alleged drug trafficking and document forgery, allegations they deny.

The brothers also supported the Tavush for the Motherland movement and were detained in June 2024 by Armenia’s National Security Service on suspicion of illegal weapons possession.

The Kochari National Revival and National Awakening party is currently below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Democracy, Law, and Order Party

Slogan: Democracy, law and order.

The party was founded in 2024 and originally nominated former military police officer Vardan Ghukasyan as its prime ministerial candidate. However, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has rejected his registration, citing failure to prove continuous residence and citizenship requirements for the previous four years, as required by law. It is unclear whether they will nominate someone else, or continue supporting Ghukasyan.

Ghukasyan rose to prominence via his social media streams, publishing scandalous and leaked information about various state bodies and actors. He has been wanted by Armenia since May 2023 over allegations of extortion, contempt of court, and public calls for violence. He is currently being held in a US prison for alleged immigration violations.

Ghukasyan previously led the Public Voice party, which won around 10% of the vote and seven seats in Yerevan’s 2023 city council elections. Unlike the other two opposition blocs, Public Voice attended the inaugural council session, helping avert an opposition boycott aimed at forcing new elections. He left the party in January 2024.

The Democracy, Law, and Order party is currently tied for fifth place, with 1% of respondents saying they would vote for the party.

The National Democratic Pole Alliance

Slogan: Faith, homeland, sovereignty — into action.

Founded in May 2020, the party is largely made up of members of the Sasna Tsrer (the Daredevils of Sasun), a group of Nagorno-Karabakh War veterans known for storming a police station in Yerevan in July 2016 and called for an uprising against the government, taking hostages. Two police officers were killed during the crisis.

The alliance has nominated Varuzhan Avetisyan, convicted for the 2016 events, as its candidate for prime minister.

The party’s platform centres on the principle of legal succession from the First Republic of Armenia, including what it describes as the restoration of Armenia’s territorial integrity ‘including Artsakh’ and a reassessment of the Soviet period as an ‘occupation’.

The National Democratic Pole Alliance is currently below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

The Reformists Party

Slogan: Security and development.

The party is led by Vagharshak Harutyunyan, who held senior roles in Armenia’s security structures between 1991 and 2000, including as defence minister. Under Pashinyan, he briefly served as chief adviser in 2020 before again being appointed defence minister later that year. He subsequently served as Armenia’s ambassador to Russia from 2022 until his recall in 2024.

The party was founded in 2016 by Vahan Babayan, a former MP of the Prosperous Armenia party. In 2017, Babayan however backed Sargsyan and the then-ruling Republican Party.

They pursue the adoption of a new national security concept and, through constitutional amendments, the limiting the post of prime minister to a single term.

The Reformists party is currently below the polling threshold as of 22 May.

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Pressure from Russia on Armenia ahead of elections: economy as tool of influen

Emil Lazarian
JAM News
May 29 2026
  • Armine Martirosyan
  • Yerevan

From 30 May, Russia will ban imports of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs and strawberries from Armenia. Since early spring 2026, Moscow has steadily expanded restrictions on Armenian exports.

The measures first targeted Jermuk mineral water, followed by certain alcoholic drinks. Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance later imposed a temporary ban on imports of flowers and ornamental plants from Armenia. The agency also raised concerns about shipments of Armenian fruit, vegetables and some livestock products.

Russian authorities say the restrictions stem from sanitary and phytosanitary concerns. However, many Armenian analysts see political motives behind the measures. Moscow has previously used similar trade restrictions against Georgia and Moldova.

Armenia also recently received a letter from Russia warning that Moscow could terminate an agreement governing supplies of natural gas, petroleum products and rough diamonds.

According to Interfax, the letter states:

“Armenia’s continued efforts to deepen cooperation with the European Union, together with the government’s declared ambition to join the EU, threaten the future of Russian-Armenian trade, economic and investment cooperation. Bilateral agreements form one of the foundations of that relationship.”

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said it would review the letter and respond if necessary.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said similar disputes had arisen before. He stressed that Yerevan remained committed to resolving them in a “constructive and partnership-based atmosphere” while continuing to diversify the economy and seek new markets.

Russian officials have repeatedly voiced concern over Armenia’s growing ties with Europe in recent months. Some members of Russia’s political establishment have called on Yerevan to clarify whether it intends to remain in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union or move closer to the European Union.

Armenian officials have repeatedly acknowledged that membership in both blocs is incompatible and say they will make a choice when the time comes. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has argued that Armenia must first bring its economy and institutions closer to European standards. He described that process as difficult and time-consuming. According to Pashinyan, the Armenian people will make the final decision once the country is ready.

Speaking recently, Pashinyan reiterated that Armenia has no plans to leave the Eurasian Economic Union. He also argued that anyone seeking to pressure Armenia is “digging a grave” for the EAEU itself.

“Today, Armenia matters to the East, the West, the South and the North alike. That is why everyone should come to Armenia with their best offer. The Armenian people will make their own choice. We are no longer a dead end shaped by conflict; we are a crossroads of peace. Those who rely on threats and pressure are making a mistake. The Armenian economy faces no danger. Investments worth billions are on the way. Our strategy remains unchanged. We will continue to work calmly and patiently with our Russian partners and resolve all outstanding issues,” the prime minister said.

Many experts see the recent developments as an attempt by Moscow to increase pressure on Yerevan ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections.

The vote will take place on 7 June, and several pro-Russian political forces are taking part. Some analysts believe the Kremlin hopes the pressure will strengthen their electoral prospects. Others argue that such actions are more likely to damage those forces than benefit them.

Political analyst Robert Ghevondyan believes the economic pressure is temporary. At the same time, he argues that Armenia’s dependence on the Russian market has made it vulnerable to such measures. He says the best response is to continue diversifying the country’s economic partnerships.

  • Pashinyan comments on gas prices, recent assault and exposing agents as key election looms
  • ‘We are not inclined to create tension’ – Yerevan responds to Moscow’s claims of ‘unfriendly steps’
  • Russian intelligence operatives sent to ‘target Pashinyan’: The Insider investigation

Political analyst Robert Ghevondyan’s view

Economic restrictions as a tool of political pressure

“We should remember what happened in 2004–2005. After Mikheil Saakashvili came to power in Georgia, Russian authorities suddenly began claiming that Borjomi contained harmful substances. At the time, Armenian Jermuk was seen as a high-quality alternative. Now the situation has reversed. Today, Armenia’s authorities are taking steps that Moscow dislikes, and suddenly Jermuk has become ‘problematic’.

This is not a new policy for Armenia. I think the situation will last only a few weeks at most. After the parliamentary elections, Moscow will most likely lift the restrictions on Armenian products, either gradually or all at once. For now, Armenian producers simply need to weather this period.

In my view, what is happening is directly linked to the elections. Russia is trying to increase pressure on Armenia in order to support pro-Russian political forces inside the country and give them additional arguments with which to criticise the government. At the same time, Moscow is signalling its dissatisfaction with Yerevan’s current course and attempting to influence the choices Armenian voters make.”

Moscow’s post-election plan

“Why do I say the pressure may last only a few weeks? Because after the elections, continuing to pressure Armenia will no longer make much sense for Moscow. Russia may spend several days waiting for some kind of post-election turmoil. However, I do not think that is likely. Such a scenario would require large-scale public mobilisation, and pro-Russian political forces in Armenia simply do not have those human resources today.

Online campaigns on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok cannot replace a real grassroots movement. Once Moscow realises that the post-election situation has not altered Armenia’s domestic political balance, it will probably move to a ‘Plan B’ — maintaining working relations with Nikol Pashinyan. At that point, the Russian side is likely to take steps aimed at preserving at least the current level of relations with Yerevan.”

Russia also has an interest in Armenian products

“In reality, it is not in Russia’s interest to keep restrictions on Armenian products in place for a long period. Armenian exports do not account for a critical share of the Russian economy. However, these products occupy their own niche and enjoy steady demand. They include mineral water, agricultural goods and alcoholic beverages. Among them is Armenian brandy, which remains popular on the Russian market.

We also need to take Russia’s own market dynamics into account. Even under restrictions, some of these products will continue to reach consumers through various channels because demand remains strong. The Kremlin understands this perfectly well. Russian officials will also recognise that prolonged pressure is unlikely to produce significant political results inside Armenia. That is why I believe these measures will most likely prove temporary.”

New markets and product competitiveness

“It is clear that Armenia currently has no alternative market capable of replacing Russia as a destination for Armenian exports on the same scale. However, the government’s task is to build a more diversified export system and help producers find new markets.

Producers themselves must also improve product quality in order to increase competitiveness and meet the standards required by other markets, particularly in Europe. At the same time, Armenia should look towards Arab countries, the Asia-Pacific region and North America.

Canada, for example, expressed interest in importing Armenian dried fruit. In practice, however, Armenia could not supply the required volumes. Even though logistics issues had been resolved and demand existed, Armenian businesses failed to meet even 10% of the market’s needs.

In other words, potential markets do exist, but entering them requires systematic effort. Producers need to improve both quality and output, while the state must continue developing external economic ties. Over time, this would allow Armenia to feel more secure and avoid excessive dependence on a single export market.

Logistics remain a major constraint on Armenian exports. A significant share of the country’s foreign trade still depends on the route through Upper Lars checkpoint. If Yerevan wants to expand export opportunities, it needs to work towards opening its borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan. That would significantly simplify access to European markets and reduce transport costs for Armenian producers.”

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Armenia Secretly Purchased Chinese CH-4 Rainbow Drones

Emil Lazarian
Militarnyi
May 28 2026

Vladislav V.

Armenia has unveiled Chinese CH-4 Rainbow reconnaissance and strike drones for the first time; the purchase of these drones had not previously been officially announced.

A video showing drones was released by the country’s Minister of Defense, Suren Papikyan.

During the parade marking Armenia’s Independence Day, two drones of this type were displayed. They were equipped with AR-1 and AR-2 air-to-surface missiles.

It is known that drones of this type are in service with Algeria, Congo, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

The appearance of such drones in Armenia’s arsenal seems quite unexpected, especially given the country’s current focus on procuring weapons from India, Europe, primarily France, and the United States.

In early February, Armenia received its first American V-BAT reconnaissance drones.

CH-4 Rainbow

Overall, not much is known about the drone; there are two main versions: the reconnaissance A and the multi-purpose B. It is also unknown which version Armenia received.

According to some sources, the drone’s fuselage is 8.5 meters long, and its wingspan is 18 meters.

Its cruising speed is 330 kilometers per hour, and its maximum speed is up to 435 kilometers per hour.

The drone can carry up to 345 kilograms of equipment and weapons.

The drone’s flight range is between 3,500 and 5,000 kilometers; its communication range is effectively unlimited due to the use of a satellite system, and the ground station provides control at a distance of 150 kilometers.

The armament is quite diverse: AR-1 and AR-2 missiles (weight — 20 kilograms, 5-kilogram armor-piercing warhead, inertial guidance system with a semi-active laser homing head in the terminal phase of flight, maximum range — up to 8 kilometers), and the AKD-10 air-to-surface anti-tank missile.

The arsenal also includes the 90-mm BRM-1 guided missile, FT-7 glide bombs weighing 130 kilograms, FT-9/50 aerial bombs weighing 50 kilograms and FT-10/25 aerial bombs weighing 25 kilograms, as well as high-precision guided munitions GB-7/50 and GB-4/100.

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/armenia-procure-chinese-ch-4-rainbow-drones/

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Russia suspends sales of Armenian mineral water as tensions rise with Yerevan

Emil Lazarian
Reuters
May 29 2026
By Reuters

May 29, 2026

MOSCOW, May 29 (Reuters) – Russia has suspended the sale of ‌Armenian mineral water, its consumer safety agency said on Friday, the ⁠latest in a series of temporary restrictions imposed at a time when tensions between Moscow and Yerevan ‌are ⁠rising.
The ban, which Rospotrebnadzor, the consumer safety agency said was ⁠introduced over health concerns, will affect 64.5 ⁠million units of Jermuk water.

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