Armenia threatens to walk away from Russia-led bloc, sets condition

RBC Ukraine
Apr 4 2026
Sat, April 04, 2026 – 17:00
2 min
Yerevan warns of tough response if Moscow raises Russian gas prices

Dariia Yankovska

Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan said Yerevan could decide to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) if Russia raises gas prices for the country, NEWS.am reports.

According to the outlet, Simonyan made the remarks on April 4 during a briefing ahead of an extraordinary meeting of the Civil Contract party, commenting on the meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The speaker said such discussions between the sides are not new, noting that issues such as gas prices and other goods have been under discussion for many years.

Simonyan said that if a relevant decision is made, Armenia “will make its decision” and withdraw from both the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union.

At the same time, he stressed that he does not believe it will come to that, noting that after the issue was raised, the two leaders held a “very good, productive and constructive conversation.”

Armenia’s parliament speaker said that during contacts with the Russian side, Armenian premier conveyed Yerevan’s position, and assessments circulating online largely align with his own view.

“We have done nothing against Russia, we are doing nothing, and we will do nothing, but at the same time we will defend the interests of the Republic of Armenia,” Speaker Simonyan emphasized.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during a meeting with Vladimir Putin, stressed that there are no political prisoners in Armenia and that social media remains fully free. He also said that democracy is a fundamental principle for Yerevan, even though some citizens view the level of political activity as excessive.

Crucifixion: CP’s last offer to the Armenian people

April 4, 2026

“Civil Contract” party on Friday publish is his pre-election program, for which Nikol Pashinyan wrote a mournful text in the preface with the signature “Dzer Nikol”.

Voters-readers who are excited to have Nikol, of course, will not remember that a day before the publication of that program, “their Nikol” was reading a treatise about the institution of the prime minister and the prime minister’s difference from other citizens, while threatening that the security guards can beat people, use weapons, and if necessary, eat them for the protection of the “prime minister representing the state”. But since KP voters are neither readers nor, in the classical sense, voters, they are not in danger of familiarizing themselves with the pre-election program.

And there is nothing particularly familiar in the pre-election program. It is a collection of anti-state, anti-state, anti-national and food-loving delusions of Pashinyan himself and his propaganda battalion in the last few years, presented only in pre-election format.

There is ONLY one word in that text, which has a cornerstone meaning, on the one hand, for Pashinyan, in order to maintain power after all the disasters caused to Armenia, Artsakh and Armenianness, and on the other hand, for the society, to understand the tragedies experienced, experienced, but not realized in the past years. In the prologue of the program, we read the rest of the lavash, which is an insult to the reader’s intelligence.

“Opening an era of peaceful development for Armenia and the region, however (2021) is the greatest mission undertaken by the Government to the people with the results of the extraordinary elections.

This sentence contains the only word that makes the remaining 5255 words of the program meaningless. THE SAME. In this one word, the entire weight of the tragedies of the Armenian people of the last century and the nationwide shame of enduring the tragedies to this day are condensed. With this word, “your Nikol” says that although we have lost the three-thousand-year-old Artsakh, although about 5,000 young people have died for it, although some of the strategic heights of Armenia have been turned into attractions for the Azerbaijani military, although we lease and name the roads of Armenia at a reasonable price, despite the first incident and countless more… YES, “opening an era of peaceful development…”

The phrase composed of the last four words would have been the envy of Kafka, Beckett, or any other specialist in surrealism. Armenia is located in a region whose main characteristic is the daily risk of war. In these conditions, talking about “peaceful development” rather than direct development is, to put it mildly, political infantilism. And the statement about opening the non-existent substance is no longer a matter of political but of psychiatric analysis.
The only and last answer to the pre-election program of the CP to the Armenian society, in the single word of the same program, can be, despite the seemingly beautiful statement of nonsense, Nikol must leave.

In order to finally find out whose “your Nicole” was/is.

Q:C: By diabolical coincidence or perhaps planned satanism, the pre-election program of the CP was published on April 3, Good Friday, the saddest day for Christians, the day of Christ’s crucifixion.

Verelq: Value system and moral degradation

The scandalous incident in the church and the verdict-accounting against the youth demonstrate the biggest problem that surrounds our public life: the value system and moral degradation, the policy and influence of the consistent destruction of moral and value benchmarks at the same time.


I have spoken about this several times, noting that its deep purpose is also the humiliation that Azerbaijan subjects to the ruling elite of Armenia, forcing them to “atone” until 2020-21 for their rhetoric, statements, steps, photos, forcing them to atone for every letter of the word Artsakh.


Let no one think that it is only politics. By imposing this behavior on the elite of Armenia, Azerbaijan is indirectly forcing the destruction of moral and value system milestones in public perceptions. Demonstrating such behavior and “justifying” it as “peace”, the government of Armenia essentially “justifies” to the public a unique “concept” of immorality with unlimited irresponsibility, making it a public norm.


This is what makes the change imperative in Armenia, and in the perspective of that change, it makes the restoration of value and moral benchmarks imperative, as an irrevocable basis for the stable restoration of the public-state process.


Analyst Hakob Badalyan



https://verelq.am/hy/node/171546?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ8QOZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekNp5QO1BTCLD0jwrGA78-emNRbfMoHXn9nuBxMfAUTMAAnVDsjXY3YcAqa4_aem_aXRim_ZC8Sb507xynz9pXA

The role of Armenia as a connecting link in East-West relations

March: 31, 2026

pilot, commander, specialist in international aviation regulations Hakob Chagharyann: presented proposals about geopolitical possibilities in the conditions of war over Iran.

Aviation, Logistics, and Geopolitical Opportunities in a War on Iran

The US-Israel-Iran conflict is no longer just a military conflict. It has turned into a process of realignment of the global economic and logistics system. Today, not only the fate of the region is decided, but also the future of energy channels, trade corridors and global transportation.

Under these conditions, small but strategically located countries like Armenia face a choice: either to become a victim of a big game, or to turn into important hubs with smart positioning.

Read also

  • For American military experts, Iran’s tactics were not a surprise
  • Is the US at a strategic impasse in the war against Iran? Trump continues to threaten and invite “negotiations”
  • EITHER THERE WILL BE NO IRAN, OR… THE OBVIOUS PLAN OF THE USA.  THE ONLY PROPOSAL OF KP: WAR. APATIC ELECTORATE: THE BIGGEST DANGER TO ARMENIA’S SECURITY. VAHE DAVTYAN

1. Energy and logistics crisis center

The core of the conflict is in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy “airways”.

Even a partial disruption of the strait causes a chain reaction. oil and gas prices are rising, insurance risks are skyrocketing, and shipping is becoming more expensive and volatile.

Under these conditions, the global economy is forced to quickly look for alternative ways. Historical experience shows that such crises always lead to the formation of new logistics centers.

2. Global trade realignment

The instability of the Persian Gulf and Red Sea routes is already changing the logic of international trade. Freight forwarders are beginning to prefer the safest routes rather than the shortest ones: longer routes, multimodal solutions and the growth of air transportation. Against this background, Europe faces a clear question: how to ensure stable imports with minimal risk?

3. The growing importance of the South Caucasus

In the newly formed reality, the South Caucasus gets a new strategic role.

The region at the same time:

  • outside the immediate war zone
  • has a connection to the Black Sea
  • is a bridge between the Middle East and Europe

This creates a unique opportunity to form new trade corridors.

4. Reassessment of the Black Sea-Danube route

The Danube River, a more than 2,400 km navigable waterway stretching from Ukraine to Germany and connecting to the North Sea via the Danube-Main-Rhine Canal, is once again becoming a key artery for Europe’s inland freight transport.

Black Sea Ports:

  • Burgas
  • Varna
  • Constance

and Danube Junctions:

  • Russia
  • Galats

can become centers of new cargo flows.

This whole system, in fact, turns into a safe corridor within Europe that can replace high-risk sea routes.

5. Armenia’s possible role as an intermediate hub

At first glance, Armenia, having no access to the sea, can be seen as a country with limited opportunities. However, in the current conditions, this very limitation can turn into an advantage.

With a properly built logistics system, Armenia can act as:

  • intermediate point for express freight
  • intersection of air and ground transportation
  • regional distribution center

6. The crucial role of aviation

During wars and crises, aviation becomes not just a means of transportation, but a strategic tool.

Air freight provides speed, flexibility and relative independence from regional barriers.

For Armenia, this means one thing: the development of aviation can become an accelerated mechanism of economic growth.

With the creation of a competitive aviation system, Armenia can:

  • connect the Middle East with Europe
  • handle high value cargo
  • provide fast logistics solutions in crisis situations

7. Multimodal system design

The most promising approach is to create a multimodal system that combines:

  • air transportation
  • land connections
  • Black sea ports
  • River channels of the Danube

Such a system can become a real alternative to traditional sea routes and ensure stable and safe trade flows.

8. Risks and Real Choices

Of course, the expansion of the war can affect the South Caucasus as well. However, inaction and maintaining the status of an observer is a greater risk than taking an active position.

Newly formed corridors will inevitably be of interest to global actors. The question is one: will Armenia be able to be involved in these processes as a partner, or will it remain outside of them?

9. What to do in Armenia

Seeing this opportunity is not enough. Quick and coordinated action is needed.

Armenia must:

  • develop its aviation capabilities
  • build freight infrastructures
  • be integrated into the Black Sea-Danube route

and act as a reliable partner in international logistics chains.

Only in this case, the country will be able to leave the status of an observer and become an active participant in the game.

In conclusion

Global crises always create new opportunities for those who are able to quickly orient themselves and act. Today, new ways, new rules and new centers are being formed. Armenia can be one of them. But only on one condition: if he acts now.

Matenadaran Exhibition “Tracing the Paths of the Spiritual Map: Armenian Manu


Drone attack hits fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport

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Drones targeted a fuel tank ‌at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire but no ⁠casualties, Reuters reported citing the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority.

Emergency procedures were activated immediately, with firefighting ‌teams ⁠responding to the blaze, it said, adding ⁠that initial reports indicated only material ⁠damage.

This is already the third such incident since the start of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran and the beginning of Iran’s retaliatory attacks. Kuwait International Airport has suspended operations since the start of the military actions. All flights have been rerouted to Saudi Arabia.

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IAEA chief urges military restraint after reported strike at Iran’s nuclear si

Iran15:32, 21 March 2026
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Saturday that Iran reported an attack on its Natanz nuclear site, but no off-site radiation increase was detected.

“The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported. IAEA is looking into the report. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterates call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident,” the IAEA said in a statement on X.

The Iranian authorities earlier said that the Natanz nuclear facility was hit in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike Saturday but there has been no radiation leakage.

The U.S. and Israel launched what they described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran on February 28, claiming that Tehran was developing a nuclear weapon and posed a threat—an allegation Iran has denied. In response, Iran launched counterattacks, firing missiles and drones at Israel, as well as at U.S. assets and other targets across the Middle East.

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EU Commissioner commends Armenia’s visa liberalization efforts

Armenia09:55, 20 March 2026
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Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan has met with a delegation led by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

The Minister of Internal Affairs highly praised the developing relations between Armenia and the European Union, emphasizing that this is already the second visit by an EU Commissioner to Armenia this month, reflecting active and effective cooperation, the ministry said in a press release.

Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, visited Armenia last week.

Referring to the EU visa liberalization process, Minister Sargsyan noted that Armenia will receive the final progress assessment report in May and expressed confidence that satisfactory results will be achieved on both sides. As the chief negotiator for the Armenian side, she presented the tangible results achieved since the start of the dialogue and reaffirmed that Armenia is fully committed to implementing the action plan in full and to a high standard.

The Minister placed special importance on ongoing efforts in migration and integrated border management, as well as on ensuring document security.

The importance of appointing a liaison officer to Europol was highlighted in the context of law enforcement cooperation.

Commissioner Kos highly praised the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Minister Sargsyan personally in the EU–Armenia visa liberalization process.

She noted that Armenia is a reliable partner for the European Union, emphasizing that it is currently the only country with which the EU is conducting active dialogue in this area.

Reference was also made to a survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI), according to which public trust in the Armenian police force under the Ministry of Internal Affairs has significantly increased.

The meeting also addressed issues related to security, countering hybrid threats, and combating cyberattacks.

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Qatar says Iran attacked more liquefied natural gas sites

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Qatar warned Thursday that additional Iranian missile attacks damaged more liquefied natural gas sites in the country, “causing sizable fires and extensive further damage,” Associated Press reported citing Qatar Energy, the nation’s state-owned oil and gas company.

It said firefighters were working to halt the blazes and no one had been hurt so far.

It already shut production earlier in the war, but extensive damage could delay Qatar in getting its supplies to the market after the Iran war ends.

Meanwhile, Iran condemned the strike on its South Pars field, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of “uncontrollable consequences” that “could engulf the entire world.”

Iranian state media said Wednesday that Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars natural gas field — part of the world’s largest such gas resource and a pillar of the country’s energy supplies. Iran said it would retaliate by striking regional energy infrastructures. Iran condemned the strike on South Pars, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warning of “uncontrollable consequences” that “could engulf the entire world,” according to Associated Press.

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel would not attack South Pars again, but warned on social media that if Iran continued striking Qatar’s energy infrastructure, the U.S. would retaliate and “massively blow up the entirety” of the field.

“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran,” Trump said on social media.

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Justice minister says Armenia’s draft constitution release delayed amid ongoi

Armenia13:37, 18 March 2026
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Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan said on Wednesday that the initial March timeframe for releasing the text of the proposed new constitution will be revised amid ongoing discussions.

Galyan had earlier announced that the draft text of the new Constitution would be published in March 2026.

She also said on Monday that the proposed text, developed to replace the current Constitution via referendum, is ready and will be discussed at the ruling Civil Contract party’s board meeting, as well as by its parliamentary faction.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, she was asked whether the reference to the Declaration of Independence in the current Constitution’s preamble has been removed in the new text, something Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has endorsed, citing its “conflict-logic.”

Galyan said the new text does not even include a preamble, and discussions are ongoing. “We have not yet discussed this in the Constitutional Reforms Council and, therefore, I cannot answer your question directly. We have our own proposals, which have been submitted to the council, and after they are discussed, we will certainly keep you informed,” she told reporters.

She emphasized that the draft currently under circulation does not include a preamble at all, while the reference to the Declaration of Independence is in the preamble.

“At the moment, the submitted text does not contain a preamble at all, and the reference to the Declaration of Independence is in the preamble. We have not finalized it yet and are considering several options,” the minister said.

According to Galyan, discussions are continuing both within the Constitutional Reforms Council and among the ruling party, and no final wording has been decided yet.

“I do not want the impression to arise that we are avoiding presenting what has currently been compiled within the framework of the preamble. The text of the Constitution will be made public in draft form, including the preamble, and the public will be able to see what is written there,” she emphasized.

The minister also noted that the Constitution is not ordinary legislation and requires comprehensive, in-depth discussions.

Regarding the timeline, she reminded reporters that she had initially promised to publish the draft text of the new Armenian Constitution in March, but due to the intensity of the discussions, the publication date has yet to be finalized.

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