Category: News

Expansion | Armenia postpones a referendum on choosing between the EU and the

Emil Lazarian
Democrata, Spain
June 1 2026

International

Pashinyan rules out for now a referendum on choosing between the EU and the EAEU, and Russia threatens to review agreements if Armenia continues to approach Brussels.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected for the moment convening a popular consultation for citizens to choose between the European Union (EU) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Instead of a vote, he has advocated continuing to collaborate with the EAEU until the country officially submits its application for accession to the community bloc and it becomes inevitable to choose only one path.

With this stance, Pashinyan responds to the countries that make up the EAEU –Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan–, who during Friday’s summit in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, demanded a clear definition of Armenia’s place in the organization and pressured him to call a referendum as soon as possible.

“We are working and will continue to work within the Eurasian Economic Union until the choice (…) becomes inevitable, and, naturally, it must be made by the people of Armenia through a referendum,” the head of the Armenian government stated in a video released this Monday on his social media.

Pashinyan has stressed that he sees no reason to rush any consultation, recalling that, although Armenia submitted its application related to the EU in March 2024, the procedure is in a very preliminary stage and the country does not even yet have official candidate status. “Holding any referendum is illogical,” he insisted.

The leader has described this debate as a matter of a “theoretical nature” and, consequently, has considered that submitting it to a popular vote right now “is certainly not very reasonable or correct, and lacks foundation.”

“We will continue to work calmly, peacefully, without tensions or disputes within the Eurasian Economic Union, and I am convinced that we still have potential in this direction,” Pashinyan concluded.

The EAEU will review its agreements with Armenia before the end of the year

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has announced that the EAEU member states will analyze in the coming months whether to suspend current agreements with Armenia before the next council meeting, scheduled before the end of the year. “All of this must be discussed before December,” stated Moscow’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov.

Peskov also communicated that a telephone conversation took place between the Armenian prime minister and the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, focused on the agenda discussed at the Astana summit, without offering additional details about the content of that exchange.

In the days prior to the meeting in the Kazakh capital, Russia had already warned that it reserves the option to annul the energy agreements it maintains with Armenia if Yerevan continues with its process of rapprochement and eventual accession to the EU.

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Azarov: a color revolution is being prepared in Armenia according to the Ukrai

Dabaghian Diana
Eurasia Daily
May 30 2026
May 30th, 2026
13:59

Mykola Azarov. 

Currently, a color revolution is being prepared in Armenia on the model of the one that took place in Kiev. The situation is very similar to what preceded the events on Maidan in 2014.

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov writes about this on social networks. According to him, the current situation in Armenia repeats the situation in Ukraine before the coup d’etat, when President Viktor Yanukovych was removed from power.

“Two situations — in Armenia is now and in In Ukraine, approximately 2012-13 is an absolute copy. That is, the same color revolution is being prepared in Armenia in the form of Pashinyan’s re-coming to power. And he is preparing on deception, on various tricks,” Nikolai Yanovich states.

At the same time, he points to the fact that Armenia (as well as Ukraine before Maidan) does not meet the requirements for EU membership, and this will not change in the coming decades.

“One of the Armenian opposition channels interviewed me the other day. And I told very calmly and very objectively, in my opinion, that Armenia is not suitable for membership in this organization according to any of the parameters required in accordance with the statutory documents of the European Union. Neither now nor in 25 years will it be suitable,” the ex-prime minister concluded.

As reported by EADaily, according to Mykola Azarov, as long as the Ukraine retains the power of the current Kiev regime, there can be no question of any peaceful settlement of the armed conflict. Set to Only the interim government will be able to bring peace to Ukraine.

More details: https://www.eadaily.com/en/news/2026/05/30/azarov-a-color-revolution-is-being-prepared-in-armenia-according-to-the-ukrainian-scenario

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Verelq: Մոսկվայի կոշտ նախազգուշացումները և հայ ֆերմերների ահազանգը

Hambik Zargarian
Կոլաժը` VERELQ

Ռուսաստանն ու Եվրասիական տնտեսական միության (ԵԱՏՄ) մյուս առաջնորդները կոշտացնում են հռետորաբանությունը Երևանի նկատմամբ՝ հրապարակայնորեն զգուշացնելով արևմտյան վեկտորի ընտրության և ԵԱՏՄ-ից հնարավոր դուրս գալու ծանր տնտեսական հետևանքների մասին։


Մինչ քաղաքական վերնախավը փորձում է մեղմել լարվածությունը և հաշվարկել դեպի Եվրոպա արտահանման վերաուղղորդման գինը, հայաստանցի ֆերմերներն արդեն իսկ կրում են ռուսական շուկայի փաստացի սահմանափակումների առաջին ծանր հարվածները։


ԵԱՏՄ-ի վերջնագիրը և ընտրության գինը


Մայիսի 29-ին Ղազախստան կատարած այցից հետո ՌԴ նախագահ Vladimir Putin clearly outlined the “red lines” and economic losses that await Armenia in case of leaving the integration structures. Moscow is clearly transitioning to a tough geopolitical vocabulary.


“In case of leaving the EAEU, Armenian citizens will have to obtain a work permit to work in Russia,” Putin stated during the press conference. He emphasized that the severance of economic ties will also lead to the closure of markets for agricultural products. “Participation in free trade agreements will be closed.”


The Russian leader expressed skepticism about Western promises, stressing. “Europe only promises 2.5 billion euros of investments in Armenia, while Russia has already made significant investments in the country’s economy.” The most severe warning, however, concerned energy carriers. according to Putin, the increase in the prices of Russian energy carriers may cost around 14 percent of Armenia’s GDP.


At the same time, at the summit of the Eurasian Supreme Economic Council held in Astana, EAEU leaders called for a referendum on EU membership in Armenia as soon as possible, effectively putting systematic pressure on Yerevan to clarify its orientation. Putin concluded his speech with a meaningful message. “Do what you think is best… Whatever you say will be done.”


Yerevan’s response. The EU market is still not an alternative


Official Yerevan is trying not to escalate the conversation, avoiding sharp reversals and escalation of the situation. The ruling “Civil Pact” party declares that Armenia will remain a member of EAEU as long as EU membership reforms are compatible with it.


However, the representatives of the economic bloc indirectly admit that the European market is not able to replace the Russian market at this stage, mainly because of the uncompetitive cost. RA Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan clarifies that although Armenian products meet European standards in terms of quality, they lose in terms of price.


“The Armenian producer buys strawberry seedlings from the same Dutch store as the French farmer. But the Armenian producer pays money to bring that seedling to Armenia, then he has to pay more money to take that strawberry to Holland or France, to which are added the customs duty and… transportation costs,” Papoyan said in a conversation with CivilNet, adding that European farmers receive up to 50% compensation and various subsidies from the state. According to the minister, within the EU, as well as in the neighborhood (Turkey, Morocco), there are much cheaper producers.


The government has also calculated the potential burden of compensation. According to the minister, only to subsidize and redirect the export of flowers, tomatoes and peppers, around 20-30 million dollars will be required by the end of the year. “That burden is a bearable burden,” assures the minister, but the reality of the farmers proves the opposite.


Farmers’ concern. losses and loans of millions


In the shadow of loud political and election campaign announcements, Armenian farmers have collapsed. Against the background of restrictions on the Russian market and trucks returning from the border, the domestic market has become oversaturated and the price of the product has depreciated.


One of the flower growers of the Ararat Valley, in a conversation with “Armlur”, desperately destroying his own crops, describes the pests. “Now everything is blocked. Damage runs into millions. Once we took cheap loans to start a business, now we have to take new, more expensive loans… And this is not only the problem of flowers. Greens and strawberries are also brought back from the border in furs.


The farmer calls the prospect of exporting to Europe unrealistic. “We bring the flower seedlings from Europe, what should we sell them now? Europe will find hundreds of defects on our choicest, healthy flower. And the Russian road is closed.” In the domestic market, the prices have fallen so much that 5-6 bunches of flowers are sold for 1000 drams, which does not even cover the cost of the expensive cellophane.


Vegetable growers are experiencing the same crisis. One of the greenhouse owners, who took a loan of 40 million drams (which increased to 43 million with interest), reports that the 4-5 tons of tomatoes he collected in the greenhouse are spoiling. Due to the presence of cheap Persian products in the market and lack of export, the price of tomatoes has dropped from 1000 drams to 200 drams.


“Every day, money is added to it… We cannot sell that plant to pay our loans, to support our family,” warns the farmer, reports news.am. He considers the government’s proposal to sell the product in small points of Yerevan to be ridiculous. “A person will come and buy 1 kilogram, I sell 100 kg. I will pour 99 kg. We will not be able to sell our products in Armenia, it is impossible… We will already have a problem with bread.”


Energy shot


The situation will reach its conclusion when the main lever is put into action – the price of energy carriers – gas. Armenia’s agriculture, especially greenhouse farms, is built on the model of consumption of cheap Russian gas and state subsidies.


If the increase in gas prices is added to the closing of the market, the reduction of exports and the credit burden of farmers, all the necessary ingredients for the “perfect storm” will be formed. Without alternative competitive markets and the operation of the insurance system, the country’s agrarian sector may face serious problems, which will become a serious socio-economic challenge for Yerevan in the coming months.

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Armenia heads for historic elections: Putin declares war on Pashinyan, but Tru

Garnik Tadevosian
Vox News
May 30 2026

With just seven days left until parliamentary elections in Armenia, news of arrests and investigations into hybrid attacks on the country emerges daily, while Russia is increasingly openly increasing pressure on the South Caucasus republic.

Until a few years ago, a bastion of Moscow in the region, Yerevan is today trying to free itself from the influence of its former ally, secure a lasting peace with its historical enemy Azerbaijan, normalize relations with Turkey, and strengthen ties with the West, redefining itself as a bridge between Asia and Europe.

The June 7 vote is, without exaggeration, the most important in Armenia’s modern history.

Decisive choices for the future

Voters will have to decide on key issues: continue the path followed by the current government or bring back to power figures linked to the previous system? Strengthen partnerships with the US and the European Union or revive ties with Russia? Continue the difficult process of reconciliation with Baku and Ankara or revise existing agreements, risking destabilizing the entire process?

The moment of truth for Pashinyan

For Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the leader of the Velvet Revolution that brought him to power in 2018, these elections represent the moment of truth.

Armenia has been through some very difficult times since the last elections, held after the disastrous 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan managed to regain the trust of the citizens, but this time the challenge is even greater.

His second term has been marked by dramatic events: Azerbaijani military incursions into Armenian territory, the occupation of some 200 square kilometers of sovereign land, and then the collapse of the separatist republic of Artsakh.

In September 2023, against the backdrop of the inaction of Russian peacekeeping forces and a lukewarm international response, Azerbaijan ended the military operation it had launched three years earlier, causing the mass exodus of the Armenian community that had lived in the region for centuries.

Departure from Moscow

These developments brought about a continued cooling of relations between Yerevan and Moscow, as well as with the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the military alliance led by Russia.

Pashinyan suspended Armenia’s participation in the organization and demanded the removal of Russian border troops from the capital’s airport, as well as the gradual reduction of their presence at land borders.

However, he clarified that the Russian military base in Gyumri is not under discussion.

Armenia then joined the International Criminal Court and the parliament passed the law to launch the European integration process.

Approaching Europe

The pro-European turn became particularly noticeable on May 4, when the European Political Community summit was held in Yerevan, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A day later, the first bilateral Armenia-EU summit was held.

On May 9, during Victory Day celebrations, Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Armenia to organize a referendum so that citizens could choose between European integration and remaining in the Eurasian Economic Union.

Putin also drew a parallel with the “Ukrainian scenario,” recalling that tensions with Kiev in 2014 began precisely after Ukraine’s rapprochement with Brussels.

Pashinyan’s strategy

Pashinyan has taken a more balanced stance.

“We have never acted and will not act against Russia’s interests, but we cannot put its interests above our own,” he declared at an election rally.

His goal is not geopolitical clash, but rather transforming Armenia into a strategic trade hub between Asian and European markets.

The Kremlin’s “war”

The Kremlin is trying at all costs to prevent his reelection.

Russia has restricted Armenian exports and threatened to remove customs exemptions for supplies of gas, oil and diamonds.

According to the McCain Institute’s pre-election mission report, Russia has intensified disinformation campaigns, using cloned websites and social networks.

Meanwhile, according to a Reuters report, based on confidential documents and Western intelligence sources, the Kremlin is planning to transport tens of thousands of voters living in Russia to Armenia to influence the election outcome.

Pashinyan’s opponents

The Armenian opposition is dominated by pro-Russian political forces. The parties most likely to enter parliament support strengthening relations with Moscow.

Meanwhile, Pashinyan enjoys the full support of the West, which was also made apparent through a public message of support from Donald Trump.

What do the polls show?

All polls put the ruling party, Civil Contract, in first place with around 30% of the vote.

In second place is Strong Armenia, led by Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, with support ranging from 6% to 15%.

Two other political forces, the alliance of former President Robert Kocharyan and the party of billionaire Gagik Tsarukyan, are showing very different results in the polls.

Although Pashinyan remains the clear favorite, an absolute majority still seems far away. The result of June 7 will determine not only the next government, but also the strategic direction of Armenia at a crucial moment in its history./ La Repubblica

https://www.voxnews.al/english/kosovabota/armenia-drejt-zgjedhjeve-te-historise-putini-i-shpall-lufte-pashinyan-i117588

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Kremlin doesn’t like Yerevan’s rapprochement with the EU! Russian ambassador t

Karagyozian Lena
FAKTI, Bulgaria
May 30 2026

Russia says Western countries are interfering in Armenia’s affairs to weaken Russian influence in former Soviet republics

Russia said it had summoned its ambassador to Armenia, Sergei Kopirkin, for consultations in Moscow in protest against Yerevan’s rapprochement with the European Union ahead of the upcoming elections on June 7, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.

The Caucasian country – an official ally of Russia with a population of about three million – has deepened its ties with the West in recent years despite its economic dependence on Moscow.

“The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Armenia S.P. Kopyrkin was summoned to Moscow for consultations on the steps taken by the Armenian leadership towards rapprochement with the European Union, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Russian-led economic union of former Soviet republics said on Monday it would consider expelling Armenia over its bid for EU membership and called on Yerevan to hold a referendum.

Opinion polls ahead of the June election show the party of pro-Western Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan leading the pro-Russian opposition.

US President Donald Trump has backed Pashinyan, who came to power after a revolution in 2018 and was re-elected in 2021.

Armenia has said Russia failed to protect it during fighting with neighboring Azerbaijan, with which it has a long-standing dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh – a former “breakaway region with ethnic Armenians” population that Azerbaijan regained in 2023.

Russia said that Western countries were interfering in Armenia’s affairs to weaken Russian influence in the former Soviet republics.


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Zelenskyy on Putin’s threats against Armenia: Europe cannot afford to lose a s

Maghakian Mike
Ukrainska Pravda
May 30 2026
KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO — 30 May, 20:39

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the European Union to “think more about security” and not leave vulnerable nations without support following Russian threats against Armenia.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address on 30 May

Details: Zelenskyy said that “Russia is now threatening other neighbouring countries even more openly than before”.

Quote: “Every neighbour of Russia heard the remarks about Armenia, whose people alone have the right and will choose the future of their country. And what Russia is saying about Armenia is not really about Armenia alone.

Everyone needs to think more about security and take more joint steps to ensure that political partnerships work, that modern defence industries and modern defence capabilities are developed, and that economic ties are as broad and diversified as possible. No one should depend on Russia or place tools of blackmail in its hands.”

Details: Zelenskyy expressed hope that Europe, and above all the EU, would take a principled, strong and timely stance on these issues.

Quote: “No one should be left without support. Europe cannot afford to lose any nation or abandon any country. Armenia must be supported, Moldova must be supported, the Baltic states must be supported, Azerbaijan must be supported. We must find ways to support the people of Georgia as well, and this is a common European task. No one can be lost.”

Background: Putin has claimed that Armenia could face a “Ukrainian scenario” due to its European integration aims and vowed to “raze to the ground” any country that attempts to attack Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/05/30/8037093/


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Following farmers’ protests, Armenian authorities have recommended selling tom

Emma Jilavian
Caucasian Knot
May 30 2026
Following farmers’ protests, Armenian authorities have recommended selling tomatoes on the domestic market.
A representative of the Armenian Ministry of Economy met with farmers in the village of Arshaluys in the Armavir region, who blocked the road the day before due to the lack of a market for tomatoes following Russia’s import ban. He recommended that they sell their harvest at special markets in Yerevan. The farmers countered that the journey takes a long time, and prices are low due to the import of tomatoes from Iran.

As reported by “Caucasian Knot,” Rosselkhoznadzor (Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) imposed temporary restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia starting May 22, 2026, and on fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, and strawberries starting May 30. Rospotrebnadzor explained the suspension of all imports of Armenian mineral water “Jermuk” to Russia as a “temporary sanitary measure” due to detected excess chemical content. Rosselkhoznadzor also announced a ban on the import of certain cognacs and wines to Russia. Products from Armenia do not comply with the phytosanitary requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union and Russia, Rosselkhoznadzor stated, questioning the authority of the Armenian Ministry of Economy, which regulates the industry. Pashinyan called such bans common practice, while opposition representatives saw a political subtext in Russia’s actions.

On May 29, farmers protested in the Armavir region. Residents of the village of Arshaluys blocked the Yerevan-Armavir road. The reason for the protest was problems with the export of tomatoes and agricultural products, writes News.Am.

“We work all year to earn income this spring, but we can’t export tomatoes or other agricultural products. We take out loans, cultivate the land, buy chemicals, pay workers’ salaries, and incur many other expenses, but we can’t sell the harvest. As a result, the loans remain on our shoulders, and we are unable to repay them,” the protesters were quoted as saying in the publication.

Following negotiations with community police and patrol officers, the road was reopened. The villagers stated that if the problem is not resolved, they will resort to further protests, the publication states.

Today, it was reported that Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Arman Khojoyan met with farmers in the village of Arshaluys in the Armavir region. Those gathered stated that imported tomatoes had driven down market prices and made production unprofitable, Sputnik Armenia reports.

In response, the deputy minister stated that since the beginning of the year, Armenia has not issued a single permit for duty-free imports of Iranian tomatoes: all products from Iran are imported with customs duties paid, and since the beginning of the year, Iranian tomato imports have decreased by 1,700 tons compared to last year, amounting to approximately 3,400 tons.

Farmers noted that even taking duties into account, Iranian tomatoes are sold wholesale for 270-280 drams (US$0.73-0.76) per kilogram, while the cost of local produce reaches 340-350 drams. According to the Ministry of Economy, farmers’ markets, which the Yerevan Municipality will open on June 5, could be a solution to this problem. The central site will be located near the Hrazdan stadium, and additional retail outlets will be located in various districts of the capital.

“Tomatoes are sold in stores for 700 to 1800 drams (1.9 to 4.9 US dollars) per kilogram. We have practically never seen prices below 500 drams (1.36 US dollars). If you sell them for 500 drams or a little more, I think the residents of Yerevan will be happy to buy your products,” Khojoyan said.

The deputy minister also emphasized that only farmers will be allowed into the new markets, so there will be no need to compete with imported products there. “It won’t work. No one will be able to drive to Yerevan all day through these traffic jams. No one has that kind of time,” noted one farmer, Norayr.
To this, Khojoyan responded that the current situation requires additional efforts from all market participants, especially given the restrictions on the export of Armenian products to Russia.

Another farmer indicated that his harvest is about a ton and expressed doubt that such a volume could be sold on the market, according to the publication.

News.Am published a video today of a conversation with a greenhouse owner, who stated that his tomato harvest is about 4-5 tons and is having problems selling the harvest.

Russia imposed restrictions on the import of flowers and mineral water as Armenian political forces prepare for the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. Meanwhile, the European Political Community Summit and the Armenia-EU Summit were held in Yerevan in early May. In this regard, Russian pro-government media accused Armenia of “betrayal” and an anti-Russian course, and Vladimir Putin noted that the Armenian authorities should decide as soon as possible on whether to join the EU or the EAEU. Putin previously stated that combining Armenia’s course toward rapprochement with the EU and membership in the Eurasian Economic Union is “impossible by definition,” and noted that Moscow “would like” all pro-Russian political forces to participate in the parliamentary elections in Armenia.

The June parliamentary elections in Armenia will effectively be a referendum on the future of Nikol Pashinyan’s government and the country’s foreign policy. At stake is the preservation of power by the current team or its transition to the opposition, which promises to reconsider the key decisions of recent years, according to the “Caucasian Knot” report “2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia”. Samvel Karapetyan’s “Strong Armenia”, along with Robert Kocharyan’s “Armenia” bloc and Gagik Tsarukyan’s “Prosperous Armenia” party, is one of the most pro-Russian parties in the parliamentary elections of Armenia. The Kremlinis betting on Karapetyan, but by law he cannot participate in the elections, Armenian political scientists pointed out earlier.

As a reminder, in August 2025, hundreds of trucks carrying grapes, plums, and peaches were not allowed to enter Russia at the Upper Lars checkpoint and were forced to return to Armenia. This problem is political in nature, said opposition MP Garnik Danielyan.

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Source: Caucasian Knot

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Karapetyan filed a lawsuit against the Speaker of the National Assembly of Arm

Ani Tigranian
Caucasian Knot
May 31 2026
Karapetyan filed a lawsuit against the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Simonyan.
THIS MATERIAL (INFORMATION) WAS PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE FOREIGN AGENT MEMO LLC, OR CONCERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FOREIGN AGENT MEMO LLC.

The leader of the “Strong Armenia” bloc, Samvel Karapetyan, filed a lawsuit against the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, who called him an employee of a foreign intelligence service, and demanded a retraction and compensation.

Karapetyan demanded that Simonyan publicly retract the statement he published on social media on May 19.

Simonyan stated that law enforcement agencies must assess the legality of the creation of a party and the participation in politics of a person who is an “employee of a foreign intelligence service.” Karapetyan called the accusation false and slanderous, News.am reported on May 30.

In the lawsuit, the businessman demanded that Simonyan publish a retraction on the same social media platforms where the accusation was posted in the form of a video titled “Refutation of the slanderous information I disseminated in a video dated May 19, 2026, about the leader of the Strong Armenia bloc, Samvel Karapetyan.” Furthermore, the businessman demanded compensation in the amount of 6 million drams ($16,200), as well as payment of legal costs, including the state fee and attorney’s fees, Armenia Today reports.

The lawsuit has reportedly been filed with the Yerevan City Court and assigned to Judge Vahagn Torosyan, but a decision on whether to accept it has not yet been made. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in parliament that the Strong Armenia party and the Armenia bloc should not cross the threshold for the parliamentary elections.

Strong Armenia, along with Robert Kocharyan’s Armenia bloc and Gagik Tsarukyan’s Prosperous Armenia party, is one of the most pro-Russian parties in the Armenian parliamentary elections. The “Caucasian Knot” has prepared a report “2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia”.

We have updated the apps for Android and IOS! We would be grateful for criticism and ideas for development both in Google Play/App Store and on KU pages in social networks. Without installing a VPN, you can read us on Telegram (in Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia – with VPN). Using a VPN, you can continue reading “Caucasian Knot” on the website as usual, and on social networks Facebook*, Instagram*, “VKontakte”, “Odnoklassniki” and X. You can watch the “Caucasian Knot” video on YouTube. Send messages to +49 157 72317856 on WhatsApp*, to the same number on Telegram, or write to @Caucasian_Knot.

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Source: Caucasian Knot

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A school principal in Armenia has rejected the idea that teachers are being re

Jagharian Tania
Caucasian Knot
May 31 2026
A school principal in Armenia has rejected the idea that teachers are being recruited for a propaganda campaign.
The invitation to teachers to a meeting with a representative of Armenia’s ruling party was not a use of administrative resources, but rather a notification of the opportunity to personally ask questions of the governor, explained the principal of a school in the village of Byurakan.

As “Caucasian Knot” reported, reports of the ruling party’s abuse of administrative resources have already surfaced during the Armenian election campaign. For example, on May 15, former ombudsman Arman Tatoyan, who heads the Wings of Unity party’s candidate list, stated that college students in Armavir were forced to participate in a campaign event in the interests of the Civil Contract party.

On May 13, teachers and students from schools in the Aragatsotn region took part in a campaign event for the ruling party instead of attending classes. Involving public sector employees and schoolchildren in election campaigning contradicts the Electoral Code, the electoral commission reminded. Ruling party representatives distanced themselves from the incident, but observers and the teachers themselves confirmed the violation.

Ahead of the Aragatsotn region governor’s visit to the village of Byurakan, the local school administration called on the teaching staff to attend a meeting with him, News.am reported today.

“Children were also sent a message urging them to attend a meeting with members of the Civil Contract,” the newspaper wrote.

Hraparak Daily reported today, citing a voicemail addressed to teachers, that the school principal is “gathering people for a rally.”

“The principal instructs teachers to attend a meeting with the governor and his team, noting as a bonus that there will be a concert there. Administrative leverage? No, you haven’t heard of it; they are attending the rally “of their own free will and with great joy,” the newspaper reported. publications.

In the audio recording, the school principal asks teachers to gather near the village administration to meet the governor and members of his team, Sputnik Armenia reports. “There will also be many guests. Esteemed teachers, I ask you to be present as well,” the publication quotes the address.

I notified them that he would be coming to the village so they could present their questions to him.

Acting school principal Varsenik Vardanyan, commenting on the audio recording, explained to the publication that her words were not a call to action. “Let’s start with the fact that I did not call anyone. The teachers have questions for our governor, I notified them that he would be coming to the village so they could present their questions to him,” the publication quotes her explanation.

As a reminder, parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for June 7. Seventeen parties and two blocs have been admitted to the elections. The “Strong Armenia” bloc of businessman Samvel Karapetyan, the “Armenia” bloc of former President Robert Kocharyan, and the “Prosperous Armenia” party of oligarch Gagik Tsarukyan are the most pro-Russian participants in the upcoming elections. According to analysts, the parties of Samval Karapetyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Robert Kocharyan will be the key competitors in the elections.

The promises of the four main political forces participating in the parliamentary elections concerned poverty reduction, job creation, pension increases, and GDP growth. According to analysts, most of these promises are simply populism.

The “second league” parties, which have fewer supporters than the ruling party’s main opponents, in their election platforms announced an end to pressure on the church, reform of the judicial system, and strengthening of the country’s security, including a revision of the peace treaty with Baku. Political analysts predict that not all of these four parties will be able to enter parliament.

The June elections will effectively be a referendum on the future of Nikol Pashinyan’s rule and Armenia’s foreign policy course. At stake is the current team’s retention of power or its transfer to the opposition, which promises to reconsider key decisions of recent years, according to the “Caucasian Knot” report “2026 Elections to the National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia”.

Translated automatically via Google translate from class=”gmail_default” st1yle=”font-size:small”>
Source: Caucasian Knot

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Armenia looks to EU after decades of relying on Russia

Emil Lazarian
DW – Deutsche Welle, Germany
May 31 2026

Armenia looks to EU after decades of relying on Russia

PoliticsArmenia
Lisa Hänel

Armenia is seeking to end its dependence on Russia and form closer relations with the European Union. Will Vladimir Putin let that happen?

Are the European Unionand Russia headed for a new geopolitical clash over Armenia? As Yerevan shifts away from Moscow after failing to gain support in its conflict with Azerbaijan, the European Union has stepped in with funding and political backing.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is promoting a pro-EU course ahead of elections. However, Russia’s government is warning Armenians against aligning with the bloc. Experts say it is unlikely that Russia will attempt military intervention — for now.

Watch the video at 
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