Category: News

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow understands the pre-election processes underway in Armenia and expressed hope they will not affect relations between the two countries.

Speaking during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Putin noted that domestic political processes in Armenia are entering an active phase.

“We see that internal political processes in Armenia are gaining momentum, and elections are approaching,” he said.

According to Putin, the political tension during an election period is natural but should not impact bilateral relations.

“The important thing is that these tensions do not harm our relations in any way,” he emphasized.

“We have many friends in Armenia, many, many. We know that,” he said, adding that more than 2 million Armenians live in the Russian Federation.

He expressed hope that various political forces in Armenia, including those with pro-Russian orientations, will be able to participate in the elections.

“We would very much like all political parties and figures to be able to take part in these domestic political processes during the elections,” he said.

At the same time, Putin stressed that Russia does not interfere in Armenia’s internal affairs.

“That is your decision, we do not interfere,” he said, referring to certain figures currently imprisoned in Armenia.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the declaration signed in Washington on August 8 has opened new opportunities for the development of relations between Armenia and Russia.

Speaking at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pashinyan noted that the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, along with the involvement of international partners, has marked a new stage in the region.

“Last August, when I returned from Washington and called you, I said that what happened there would open new opportunities for our relations as well,” the Prime Minister said.

According to him, that assessment has now become a reality.

Pashinyan also emphasized that several actors, including US President Donald Trump and President Putin, played an important role in these processes.

“We have always been in close contact throughout these developments, and I have regularly informed you about the ongoing situation,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that one tangible outcome of these new opportunities is the restoration of railway communication between Armenia and Russia through the territory of Azerbaijan.

“We have worked on this issue for decades, but had never managed to reach such a decision,” Pashinyan said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia should not continue the Karabakh movement, stressing that Yerevan and Baku have already mutually recognized each other’s territorial integrity.

Speaking during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pashinyan noted that Armenia’s position is based on the new realities in the region.

“We should not continue the Karabakh movement, as peace has already been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two countries have recognized each other’s territorial integrity, political independence and sovereignty,” he said.

According to Pashinyan, this approach is based on the Almaty Declaration.

“This means we recognize that independent Armenia is fully identical to Soviet Armenia, and independent Azerbaijan is fully identical to Soviet Azerbaijan,” he noted.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this position forms the basis for sustainable peace in the region.

At the same time, Pashinyan said Armenia recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan after relevant public statements had been made by the Russian leadership.

“Yes, we recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, but we did so only after the top leadership of the Russian Federation publicly stated this twice,” he said.

Pashinyan also addressed relations with the Collective Security Treaty Organization, noting that its mechanisms did not function during the events of 2022.

“We are not participating in CSTO activities now because we cannot explain to our citizens why the organization did not respond despite its obligations,” he said.

Earlier, Putin stated that after Armenia recognized Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague in 2022, the issue became an internal matter for Azerbaijan. He added that this had limited the possibilities of intervention by the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

Armenia is discussing the construction of a new nuclear power plant with Russia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pashinyan noted that Armenia–Russia cooperation in the energy sector remains one of the key and traditional areas of bilateral ties.

“We cooperate in the energy sector, and we have very strong ties in this field,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that Yerevan is also holding talks with other partners to find the most beneficial option for the country.

Pashinyan noted that active work is underway on new technologies, particularly in the field of renewable energy.

He specifically addressed the issue of building a new nuclear power plant.

“We are also discussing the construction of a new nuclear power plant with the Russian Federation,” he said.

At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized that Armenia is acting in a transparent and multilateral manner on this issue.

“We are fully transparent, as we are discussing these matters not only with Russian partners but also with others, in order to find the most advantageous solution for the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan said.

 The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 1 April, USD exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 377.23 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 5.36 drams to 437.55 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.0363 drams to 4.6646 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.87 drams to 501.72 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 971 drams to 55891 drams.

Moscow is ready to  cooperate with Armenia on information and cybersecurity issues, provided there is interest from the Armenian side, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

Speaking at a briefing on April 1, Zakharova referred to remarks by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who stated that Armenia is ready to consider Russia’s experience in countering hybrid threats, if such expertise is available.

Zakharova noted that cooperation in this area is a “two-way street,” emphasizing that Russia is ready to respond if there is demand and mutual interest.

“As for Russia’s capabilities, the requirement should be clarified, whether it is information protection, combating cyber fraud, or other areas. We are ready not only to provide expert assessments but also to cooperate in a number of fields,” he noted.

Earlier, Mirzoyan said that Yerevan is open to examining potential Russian support in addressing hybrid threats, should Moscow have relevant experience.

Russia is not holding negotiations on transferring the concession for the management of Armenia’s railways to Kazakhstan, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said at a briefing.

She recalled that Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin had earlier made a similar statement on March 30.

Zakharova noted that the concession agreement signed in 2008 is valid for 30 years, with the possibility of a 10-year extension.

“For many years, South Caucasus Railways CJSC has been responsibly fulfilling the terms of the agreement, and Russian investments in Armenia’s railway infrastructure exceed 30 billion rubles,” she said.

At the same time, Zakharova added that if any negotiations are conducted at a higher level, they would be commented on by the Russian President’s Office.

Earlier, Armenian media reported that discussions were underway regarding a potential transfer of management rights of the railway network to a Kazakh company.

Commenting on the issue, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Yerevan would not oppose such a scenario if it is acceptable to both Armenia and Russia.

“We would not be opposed if it turns out that there is an understanding between us and Russia that the Kazakh company is acceptable for both sides. At the moment, negotiations are proceeding a little differently, as our Russian partners have not yet said, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ Such ideas exist, but they are still just floating ideas,” the Prime Minister said. 

The Prime Minister had earlier proposed transferring the concession management of Armenia’s railway network to a country acceptable to both parties. He noted that under Russian management, the Armenian railway lacks certain competitive advantages, as some countries refrain from using it due to its current operator.

Only citizens holding exclusively Armenian passports can participate as candidates in Armenia’s upcoming elections, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, stressing that this requirement stems from the country’s Constitution.

Pashinyan addressed domestic political developments during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that Armenia is a democratic country where political activity is a natural process.

“We are approaching parliamentary elections, which are, in fact, also elections for the Prime Minister,” he said.

“Only citizens who hold exclusively Armenian passports can take part in these elections. In other words, individuals holding Russian passports cannot be candidates for either members of parliament or Prime Minister under the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia,” Pashinyan stated.

He added that this restriction is legal in nature and applies to all dual citizens, regardless of political position.

Pashinyan also noted that political processes in Armenia are ongoing and that social networks are fully free, which, he said, sometimes causes criticism.

Earlier, Russian President Putin said there are many pro-Russian political forces and figures in Armenia, noting that some of them are currently imprisoned. He expressed hope that these forces would be able to participate in the country’s political processes, while emphasizing that Russia does not interfere in Armenia’s internal affairs.

President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received the newly appointed Head of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA), Satu Koivu, the President’s Office said in a readout.

Khachaturyan congratulated Koivu on assuming the post and wished her success, emphasizing that the mission’s activities are important for ensuring stability and security in Armenia’s border regions.

He noted that the work carried out over the past four years has contributed significantly to reducing tensions and fostering a more peaceful environment. The President also expressed readiness to support the mission’s effective functioning.

Koivu thanked the President for the reception and trust, stating that it is a great honor to take on the role at such an important time. She expressed readiness to make every effort to ensure the mission’s effectiveness and to contribute to strengthening peace in the region.

The sides noted that the mission’s activities are important for Armenia’s citizens, who highly appreciate its role in ensuring security and stability in border areas.

They also emphasized the importance of successfully advancing the ongoing peace process.

Relations between Armenia and the European Union have never been closer, and their deepening is driven by Armenia’s foreign policy priorities in recent years, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Sargis Khandanyan said during a panel discussion organized by the Caucasus Institute.

Presenting the government’s approaches to EU relations, Khandanyan noted that the strengthening of ties is a natural process shaped primarily by Armenia’s commitment to establishing peace, promoting it, and advancing regional stability and cooperation.

He emphasized that the European Union itself is a product of a peace process and, in this context, serves as an attractive model for Armenia.

According to Khandanyan, the “Armenia–EU Partnership Strategic Agenda,” adopted in December 2025, outlines numerous short- and medium-term goals for further deepening bilateral relations.

The lawmaker also highlighted that recent achievements demonstrate the strategic nature of Armenia–EU ties. In this regard, he pointed to the activities of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Armenia, financial assistance provided through the European Peace Facility over the past two years, and progress in the visa liberalization process.

Khandanyan additionally underscored the importance of parliamentary cooperation, noting that it has played a significant role in advancing relations. He added that cooperation between the European Parliament’s European People’s Party and Armenia’s National Assembly continues to deepen, as both sides share common values.