April 7, 2026
The Pashinyan-Putin meeting held in the Kremlin the other day continues to be widely discussed in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections and tense internal political developments in Armenia. As we already reported, in his speech, Russian President Putin emphasized the benefits that Armenia’s economy receives due to EAEU membership and cheap Russian gas prices.
Vladimir Putin also referred to the prospect of RA EU membership, talking about the impossibility of combining EAEU with EU. And most notably, Putin said that he would like pro-Russian forces in Armenia to be able to participate in internal political developments and not face restrictions.
The meeting was followed by the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk’s reference to the current Armenian-Russian situation, saying that Yerevan is very close to the point after which Russia “will be forced to build” economic relations with Armenia in a different way. According to him, in case of Armenia’s accession to the European Union, Armenia will not have air communication with Russia. “Now there is no air communication with the countries of the European Union. This means that we will not have air communication with Armenia,” said the Russian Deputy Prime Minister.
According to Overchuk, the citizens of Armenia should be aware of the possible consequences of the decision taken by the official Yerevan regarding rapprochement with the European Union. “Perhaps it sounds very harsh, but we want people in Armenia to understand that if this happens, it will happen, because the decisions of rapprochement with the European Union have been made,” said the Russian official. By the way, Overchuk is the official who from time to time addresses the topic of Armenia’s EU integration, noting the impossibility of the EU and EAEU, and the fact that Russian business is beginning to lose interest in Armenia. In one of his last references, he also noted a trend that the Armenian-Russian trade turnover is starting to decrease significantly. This was also done by the Russian President during his previous meeting with Pashinyan.
168.amin a conversation with Russian analyst Konstantin Simonov said that the Armenian-Russian relations have entered a pragmatic phase based on mutual interests. According to him, there is a significant decrease in the component of political loyalty in relations.
“Naturally, the economy came to the fore, because Yerevan is trying to seek political cooperation, as well as security in the West. This is a qualitative change due to regional realities, reinterpretation of the parties’ interests. For years, Armenian-Russian relations were built mainly around security: military cooperation, presence of a military base, Russia’s role as the main guarantor of security. However, the events of recent years have reduced the perception of the effectiveness of that model, as a result of which there has been a need to rethink the structure of relations. And against this background, the economy becomes the platform where the parties can maintain and even develop cooperation, avoiding the sharpest political contradictions.
It is especially important that Armenia remains a member of EAEU, which provides access to the Russian market, and for Russia, Armenia is an important economic partner in the region, both as a market and as a platform to maintain economic presence in the South Caucasus. In this sense, the deepening of economic relations also has a geopolitical context.
Emphasizing economic priority does not mean that political or security issues are completely off the agenda, but they have been moved to the background. This can be interpreted as an attempt to depoliticize relations in a difficult period, when the parties focus on the areas where cooperation is more realistic and effective,” said Simonov.
Therefore, according to him, it is no coincidence that the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation mostly refers to Armenian-Russian relations, referring to EAEU, economy, business, etc. According to him, increasing the priority of the economy in Armenian-Russian relations is not only a situational step, but also a consequence of new realities, an attempt to maintain the strategic connection in the changing geopolitical environment, moving it to a more pragmatic and calculated dimension.
“However, the stability and effectiveness of this process will depend on the extent to which the parties will be able to combine economic interests with security and political contradictions. At the same time, Russia’s desire to maintain its influence is noticeable. However, the observations about the gas price and the impossibility of the EU-EEU combination should not be considered as a negative statement, I think that these statements are aimed at showing the fact that Armenia’s benefits are in the EEU, and Armenia aspires to the EU, which, if it joins, cannot be a member of the EEU and receive the same benefits as currently. This is an open conversation, I think it’s natural that it’s like this, because it’s about the quality of people’s lives,” said Simonov.
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Russia Signals Consequences As Armenia Moves Closer To EU
By PanARMENIAN
Armenia could lose air connections with Russia if it joins the European Union, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said.
“There is currently no air communication with European Union countries; therefore, we will not have air communication with Armenia,” he stressed.
According to him, Armenian citizens should take into account the possible consequences of Yerevan’s policy of rapprochement with the European Union, Ren.TV reports.
“We want the people of Armenia to understand that if this happens, it will happen because decisions have been made regarding rapprochement with the European Union,” Overchuk noted.
He also added that it is still unclear what results Armenia’s possible accession to the European Union may bring.
On April 2, Overchuk had stated that Armenia had reached a threshold beyond which Russia could reconsider the current format of economic cooperation with it.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia reserves the right to take an interest in Armenia’s political plans ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections.
“We reserve the right to try to clarify with our partners and indeed discuss their plans (in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia),” he said in an interview with Vesti journalist Pavel Zarubin.
The Kremlin representative emphasized that Armenia and Russia are bound by deep historical ties, and therefore Yerevan’s chosen political course is a matter of high interest for Moscow, Interfax.ru reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that there are many pro-Russian political forces and figures in Armenia, noting that some of them are currently imprisoned.
“I will tell you frankly — the dialogue between us is such that we always speak honestly and directly. We would very much like all these political parties and political figures to be able to participate in this domestic political work during the elections. Some, I know, are in places of detention, despite the fact that they hold Russian passports. This is your decision, we do not interfere, but we would like them, at least, to be able to participate in this domestic political process,” Putin said.
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Armenian Defence Committee chair says son avoided military service because he
The chair of the Armenian Parliament’s Defence and Security Committee, Andranik Kocharyan, has come under fire for saying that his son did not complete his mandatory military service because he is a ‘very high-class guy’.
Kocharyan, who is a member of the ruling Civil Contract party, said during a press briefing on Monday that ‘If you had knowledge at his level, you wouldn’t serve either’.
According to media reports, his son, Levon Kocharyan, defended his PhD dissertation in 2020, avoiding military service. He reportedly currently works for an insurance company in Armenia.
Kocharyan’s remarks sparked criticism from activists in Armenia, who called on him to apologise for making a discriminatory statement which could imply that those serving in the army are ‘low-class.’
Following his remarks, some critics have suggested that Kocharyan ‘does not fit’ his role as chair of the committee.
Health Minister and Civil Contract member Anahit Avanesyan, whose two sons are currently serving in the military, has also criticised Kocharyan, stating that ‘worthy and bright men serve in the Armenian Army, who choose to fulfill their duty to the homeland also before completing their studies’.
Avanesyan also called herself a ‘proud mom of two soldiers’.
Opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan, a member of the Defence Committee, wrote on Facebook that Kocharyan was ‘the face and indicator of the ruling regime, revealing the authorities’ real attitude toward the army and soldiers’.
Speaking to RFE/RL, activist Janna Alexanyan noted that with such a statement, Kocharyan ‘just wants to emphasise [his] privileged and special status’.
‘What does an ordinary citizen think when they hear this, or those living in socially vulnerable conditions, whose sons are necessarily serving?’ Alexanyan said, adding that Kocharyan’s son ‘cannot be higher than any other soldier.’
After facing criticism for his remarks, Kocharyan issued an apology on Tuesday morning.
He claimed that he had ‘intended to emphasise how much education and engagement in scientific activity are valued under the legislation of Armenia, and that individuals who are willing to serve the state with their scientific potential are given such an opportunity’.
Kocharyan further added that his other son ‘served in the Armed Forces of Armenia and participated’ in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020.
Kocharyan has previously faced criticism after insulting a journalist in 2025, an incident for which he has refused to apologise. He has also been accused of promoting genocide denial.
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Samvel Karapetyan: “I am angered by the behavior of the leader of a small gro
The leader of the “Strong Armenia” party, Samvel Karapetyan, has issued a statement.
“Today, it is becoming increasingly clear either the economic tensions with Russia that emerged in July as a result of Nikol Pashinyan’s policies or changes that we will bring to Armenia in June.
I must admit, I am deeply angered by the behavior of the leader of a small group. What we witnessed in Moscow was shameful. Even more concerning, however, is that through a series of consistent steps, he has turned our country into a zone of geopolitical confrontation.
Why was there a need to attempt to push friendly Russia out of our region? Its presence has never hindered Armenia’s cooperation or trade with other global centers of power, and I am confident it would not do so in the future. What is required is sound judgment, strategic thinking, and, simply put, a degree of political finesse. And then you just need to be reasonable. Armenia’s deepest economic ties are with Russia. It supplies affordable gas, provides employment opportunities for our seasonal workers, and remains a key market for our agricultural products. If these ties were disrupted, how would the government answer to citizens who would inevitably face worsening economic conditions?
However, today’s prime minister appears indifferent to the fate of our compatriots and their everyday well-being. His primary concern seems to be remaining in power for his own benefit, using the fear of false wars as a tool. This will not last. We will remove this small group and restore balanced relations with all countries in the region and across major centers of power.
We saw what happened with Georgia and Ukraine.
We do not need new wars.
By voting for Nikol, you risk deepening poverty, worsening relations with Russia, increasing polarization, and undermining the economy. By trusting us, you can choose real change: a strong economy, national unity, and lasting peace.
It is time for a strong Armenia,” the message reads.
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Ecumenical Patriarch extends wishes to the Patriarch of the Armenians in Turke
On the morning of Holy Tuesday, 7 April 2026, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by Metropolitan Joachim of Prusa, visited the Armenian Patriarchate in Kountoskali, Constantinople, to personally extend his greetings to the Patriarch of the Armenians in Turkey, Sahak Maşalyan, and to his flock for the celebration of Easter, which they had observed the previous Sunday, April 5.
The Ecumenical Patriarch prayed that the resurrection of Christ might bring an end to the wars shaking humanity and inspire all those with the power to establish peace and justice on the planet to do so.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
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Turkish Press: Armenia, EU discuss advancing strategic partnership
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‘An army of fake accounts backs one of the prime ministerial candidates,’ Arme
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Turkish Press: Armenia courts EU while Russia warns against dual membership
Armenia is advancing its strategic partnership with the European Union while navigating increasingly pointed signals from Moscow about the limits of its geopolitical balancing act, as top diplomats on both sides of the relationship stepped up engagement this week.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke by phone Tuesday with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to discuss the consistent implementation of the bilateral strategic partnership between Yerevan and Brussels. The two officials also reviewed upcoming high-level visits and events, and discussed initiatives aimed at producing continued tangible results from the partnership. Their conversation extended to regional affairs, including developments in the Middle East and possible avenues for resolving the situation there.
Putin signals Moscow’s red line on dual membership
The diplomatic activity comes against a backdrop of quietly intensifying pressure from Russia. At a Kremlin meeting in early April, President Vladimir Putin told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that Moscow remains calm about Armenia’s growing engagement with the EU. He made clear, however, that Yerevan cannot simultaneously hold membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union, drawing a firm boundary around how far Armenia’s western pivot can go without formal consequences.
The EAEU, a Moscow-led economic bloc that also includes Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, has served as one of the principal institutional ties binding Armenia to Russia’s sphere of influence since the country joined in 2015. Armenia’s parallel pursuit of closer EU ties has grown more pronounced in recent years, straining that relationship.
Parliament speaker raises prospect of broader break with Moscow
Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan escalated the rhetoric further, saying Yerevan would withdraw from both the CSTO and the EAEU if Russia moves to raise natural gas prices for Armenia. The CSTO, a Russian-led collective defense alliance, is another pillar of Armenia’s formal security architecture with Moscow, though Yerevan has already distanced itself from the organization in practice following the 2020 and 2022 conflicts over Karabakh.
Simonyan tempered his remarks by expressing doubt the situation would reach that point. “I know that a very good and effective conversation took place between the heads of state,” he said, suggesting the Pashinyan-Putin meeting had produced enough goodwill to prevent an energy pricing dispute from triggering a broader rupture.
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Armenia’s Republican Party to Skip Elections to Avoid Splitting Opposition
Armenia’s third president Serzh Sargsyan announced that the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) will not participate in the June 7, 2026 parliamentary elections, citing the need to avoid further fragmentation within the opposition.
Speaking at the party’s 18th congress, Sargsyan acknowledged internal disagreement over the decision, noting that some members believed the party could surpass the electoral threshold. “I know that, with proper work, we could have exceeded the four percent threshold,” he said.
Despite the decision, Sargsyan emphasized that the RPA will remain politically active. “Even without direct participation, the RPA will continue to be at the center of political developments,” he stated.
He framed the move as a strategic choice aimed at strengthening the broader opposition landscape, arguing that RPA supporters are prepared to back other opposition forces. “Our voters’ voices will not be lost but will join those of other opposition voters,” he said.
At the same time, Sargsyan delivered a sharp critique of the ruling Civil Contract Party, accusing it of undermining national identity and questioning core elements of Armenian statehood.
“You are a disgraceful page in Armenia’s history, one that must be turned immediately,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ruling Civil Contract Party confirmed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan as its candidate for prime minister and approved its electoral list ahead of the vote.
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Armenian PM Targets Opposition as “War Party”
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told supporters at the Civil Contract Party congress that Armenians have become the primary authors of the country’s policies since 2021.
He contrasted this with previous governments, which he said sidelined public opinion. “Previously, no one wanted to listen to the people because it was assumed they were not ‘worldly’ enough,” Pashinyan said.
The prime minister also renewed criticism of opposition forces, referring to what he called a “tripartite war party” associated with figures such as Robert Kocharyan, Samvel Karapetyan and Gagik Tsarukyan.
Pashinyan framed the upcoming June 7 elections as part of a broader historical shift, arguing that Armenia is moving toward a more self-determined and sovereign path.
Recalling a conversation with Pope Francis, who described Armenians as a “martyred people,” Pashinyan said his government’s mission is to change that narrative. “We are no longer a martyred people. We will live and build a state,” he said.
He added that the government’s goal is to lead Armenia toward “a normal, prosperous, free, sovereign, and state-centered life.”
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