“It’s so depressing,” said North Hills neighbor Karen Banuelos, holding her 3-month-old son, Alexander. “It’s so devastating for everyone. Postpartum is real.”(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)By Richard Winton, Genaro Molina and Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles police homicide detectives believe the slaying of a family of four, including a 6-day-old baby, in a quiet San Fernando Valley neighborhood was the result of a murder-suicide, authorities said.
Officers discovered two adults and two young children with fatal gunshot wounds inside their North Hills home Wednesday after being called to the scene around 7:50 p.m.
Evidence initially gathered at the crime scene suggested it was the mother who shot the man and two children before dying by suicide, according to law enforcement sources.
The victims were identified as Ella Basmajian, 6 days old, Alec Basmajian, 2; Khajag Basmajian, 31; and a woman in her 30s whose name was not released pending the notification of her family, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
“This is an absolute tragedy, and given the number of deceased, the Robbery-Homicide [Division] is handling the investigation,” said Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Mike Bland.
BLAnd said there are no suspects at large, and detectives believe the incident was a murder-suicide.
Detectives responded to the home in the 16000 block of Londelius Street shortly after patrol officers from the Devonshire Division arrived and immediately began examining the crime scene along with forensic technicians.
Neighbor Karen Banuelos said: “I heard a commotion; I never heard the shots.”
She said she looked out her window and saw the police arrive and run in and saw family members running out, crying. Banuelos said the police, once they entered, were not in a rush and it became obvious that there was no one to save or arrest.
Banuelos said that the grandfather of the children spoke to another neighbor and revealed what happened.
“It’s so depressing, it’s so devastating for everyone. Postpartum [depression] is real,” Banuelos said, after noting the mother had recently delivered a baby. “To get possessed to do that? It’s just, there’s no words.”
CC: Los Angeles: Basmadjian family of four, including parents and two kids kil
May 28 Military Parade: What’s New in Armenia’s Arsenal
Armenia held its first military parade in a decade on May 28, showcasing newly acquired military equipment in Yerevan’s Republic Square. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had announced the event back in March, describing it as “less of a military parade and more of a report to the citizens of Armenia.” He argued that labeling it a military parade “could create the impression of deviating from, or even abandoning, the peace agenda.”
May 28 is Republic Day, marking the anniversary of the proclamation of Armenia’s First Republic in 1918. Armenia has previously held military parades exclusively on September 21, which commemorates the independence of Armenia’s current Republic in 1991. The last parade was held in 2016, to mark 25 years of independence.
This parade comes ten days before the June 7 parliamentary election, prompting critics to dismiss it as a pre-election propaganda stunt. Pashinyan’s chief rival, Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan questioned the purpose of holding a military parade under a government that has lost three wars.
Pashinyan himself has suggested that he has “a new army to show” the Armenian people. He urged citizens to attend and see the military arsenal for themselves, insisting that Armenia now has “an army of a new quality, a new level, and a new logic.” He has gone as far as to say that his government has “built an army from scratch.”
Regardless of the political context, the parade provided an opportunity to assess how Armenia’s military modernization efforts, particularly since 2022, are translating into actual capabilities and equipment.
The Pashinyan administration has made diversifying Armenia’s foreign policy and security partnerships away from Russia a central strategic objective. Two years ago, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan suggested that Russia’s share in Armenia’s weapons acquisitions had fallen from roughly 96% to less than 10% since January 2021. India and France have emerged as the key suppliers. An APRI estimate put acquisitions from India in 2022–2023 alone at $1.5 billion, while acquisitions from France were reported by that country’s Defense Ministry at $323 million in 2023–2024. Pashinyan, on the eve of the parade, said Armenia now purchases weapons from “six or seven countries.”
At the same time, Armenia has also sought to expand its domestic defense industry. According to official figures, some $450 million was invested in local defense and military companies between 2023 and 2025.
What’s New
In the weeks leading up to May 28, some of the previously undisclosed military equipment began surfacing publicly.
In a short video posted on social media by Pashinyan on May 11, two French-made CAESAR self-propelled howitzers were seen driving across an airfield. This was the first visual evidence of the systems having arrived in Armenia. Yerevan officially signed the acquisition agreement in June 2024 during Defense Minister Suren Papikyan’s visit to Paris. French sources indicated that Armenia had purchased 36 units with deliveries expected in 15 months. During the parade, the CAESAR systems were presented under the name Aramazd, after the supreme deity of pre-Christian Armenian mythology.
CAESAR, A FRENCH-PRODUCED SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER, ON TIGRAN METS AVENUE AFTER THE PARADE. MAY 28, 2026.
On May 25, a few days before the parade, a Chinese CH-4 drone was spotted at Yerevan’s Republic Square. Three units were showcased under the name Agegh (Bow). Its specifications announced during the parade make it clear that it is the CH-4B variant, a mixed attack and reconnaissance system.
A CHINESE CH-4B UAV IN REPUBLIC SQUARE. MAY 28, 2026.
Another system, a fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile presented by the name Nizak (Javelin) is likely the Chinese GAM-102LR. Armenia has previously acquired Chinese equipment in 1999 and possibly 2011.
On May 26, photos of what appeared to be an Iranian AD-08 Majid short-range and low-altitude air defense system appeared online. No known Iranian arms purchases were previously reported despite speculation. The Majid was presented by the name Karitch (Scorpion) during the parade.
AN IRANIAN MAJID SHORT-RANGE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM. MAY 28, 2026.
In a video released by the Defense Ministry on May 20, an M2 Browningheavy machine gun was seen for the first time in Armenia mounted on a French Bastion armored personnel carrier. Armenia’s ambassador to Belgium Tigran Balayan later reported that these guns were produced in Belgium. The Bastion APC were the first French systems to be supplied in late 2023.
Some of the Indian equipment was shown publicly for the first time this February, during the high-level visit of India’s Chief of Defense Staff Anil Chauhan. Since 2022, Indian media has widely reported on Armenian purchases, which include artillery pieces (howitzers, multiple rocket launchers), air defense and counterdrone systems, and radars.
Indian systems were presented by Armenian names. The Akash air defense system as Lusan (Lynx); the Pinaka multiple rocket launcher as Shant(Lightning); the Swathi radars are Paylatsu (Mercury); the towed howitzers Trajan and ATAGS as Tork and Tir (both pagan deities); the self-propelled howitzer MArG as Mihr (also a pre-Christian deity).
SEVERAL PINAKA MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHERS PARKED ON TIGRAN METS AVENUE AFTER THE PARADE. MAY 28, 2026.
The parade also featured modern Russian systems, including TOS-1A Solntsepyok multiple rocket launchers; Tor M2KM short-range air defense systems; Kornet-M anti-tank missiles; and new D-30 towed howitzers. The last are in factory condition, a point Pashinyan has emphasized, adding that they were supplied in 2023. One radar system presented under the name Marakhugh (Fog) may be another Russian equipment, likely Kasta 2E.
Flying over the parade at its closure were Armenian air force’s Mil Mi-17 helicopters, Su-30 fighter jets and Su-25 aircraft. The Su-30s, procured in 2019 but absent from the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), were announced to now be equipped with short- and medium-range air-to-air radar-guided missiles, as well as long- and medium-range glide bombs.
AN ARMENIAN 122MM MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHER NAMED ATLANT. MAY 28, 2026.
The DDS-3 (Dragonfly 3) loitering munition first shown in February, was again shown in a short video posted by Pashinyan on May 11, and showcased at the parade.
Overall, UAVs took up a significant portion of the parade. A wide range of systems were showcased, many for the first time. These included reconnaissance drones, combat/attack drones, and anti-radar loitering munitions.
According to Aram Jivanyan, head of Armenia’s Military-Industrial Committee, additional indigenous products will be showcased at the RISE expo in Yerevan on June 3-4.
Absent from the parade were tanks and two notable Russian systems previously considered among the most advanced in Armenia’s armed forces: the Iskander short-range ballistic missile and S-300 air defense systems. Also missing from the public eye was the first and so far the only known U.S. arms supply, the V-BAT reconnaissance drones, the sale of which was announced during Vice President JD Vance’s visit in February.
Photos by Hovhannes Nazaretyan
—
International Research Project Examines Long-Term Consequences of Displacement
An international group of researchers has launched the Artsakh Displacement and Identity Project, a new study examining the long-term social, cultural, and identity-related consequences of the displacement of Armenians from Artsakh following the 2020-2023 conflict and the events of September 2023.
The full academic title of the study is:
The Fate of the Population Expelled from Artsakh: Subethnic Continuity, Identity Formation, and Forced Displacement.
The project focuses on how forced displacement affects community cohesion, identity formation, and cultural continuity among displaced Artsakh Armenians now living in Armenia, Russia, and the United States.
The study is led by:
• Tessa Hofmann, Dr. phil. (Germany)
• Lilia Arakelyan, PhD (United States)
• Hanna Samir Kassab, PhD (United States)
The research will include 80-100 qualitative interviews with displaced Artsakh Armenians, along with consultations with specialists in migration studies, human rights, political anthropology, and cultural heritage.
The project examines questions of identity preservation, adaptation, intergenerational cultural transmission, and the effects of geographic dispersion after the loss of territorial continuity.
According to the researchers, the study is among the first English-language projects to examine the displacement of Artsakh Armenians through the framework of subethnic continuity and identity transformation.
The six-month project will result in a research report, analytical materials, and multilingual public resources intended for academic, educational, and community use.
The research team welcomes contact from universities, research institutes, community organizations, and individuals working in related fields. Displaced Artsakh Armenians interested in participating in interviews are encouraged to contact the project team.
Research Coordination
Artsakh Displacement and Identity Project
The Allied Supreme Council recognized The Republic of Armenia on January 19, 1
By Badmakagh
Despite the fact that during the First World War the Allied Powers—
England, France, and the USA—called the Armenian nation their ‘little ally,’
after their victory in the war they refused for many months to recognize the
Republic of Armenia as a reality. They dragged out this recognition for nearly
two years, until the beginning of 1920. Finally, on January 19, 1920, the Allied
Supreme Council came to the conclusion to recognize the Republic of
Armenia.
On January 19, 1920, the Allied Supreme Council finally decided the
following:
1. That the government of the Armenian state is recognized as a de facto
(actual) government.
2. That this recognition does not predetermine the issue of the future
borders of that state.12
This very belated decision of the Allies, which took place on January 19,
1920 in Paris, where they were discussing the situation in Transcaucasia as the
Russian Red Army advanced toward the region, can be explained as a political
move to win the favor of the Republic of Armenia and to push it into fighting
against Bolshevik Russia. Otherwise, this very delayed recognition could not be
explained.
Four days later that joyful news finally reached Yerevan. The best
account of the Armenian people’s rejoicing was given by Simon Vratsian, who
among other things relates the following, “On January 23 the news of
recognition was received in Yerevan and spread through society with lightning
speed. Within an hour the entire city was already on its feet. At 3 o’clock a
huge crowd gathered in front of the city governor’s building; the army also
came with its band. Governor A. Shahkhatuni delivered an enthusiastic speech
about the significance of the day and proposed that everyone kneel in honor of
the martyrs of Armenia’s freedom. The army and the many thousands of
people, as one, silently went down on their knees. Then the army and the
11
. Kevork Mesrop, Armenian History, Volume 1, page 225, in Armenian language.
12
. M. S. Karapetian, Armenia in the Years 1912-1920, Yerevan, Zangak, 2003, page
272, in Armenian language.
Page 9 of 13public, with music, proceeded toward the Parliament, where from the balcony
President Av. Sahakian delivered an emotional speech.”
From there, the crowd moved toward the government building and held
enthusiastic demonstrations. During Prime Minister A. Khatissian’s speech,
cannon fire announced the joyful news to the people. Afterwards, the army—
cavalry and infantry—accompanied by the band, marched solemnly through
the streets of Yerevan under the people’s jubilant applause. The city had taken
on a festive appearance: houses and shops were decorated with flags and
carpets. In the evening there was a fireworks display, while from the station
the armored train ‘Azadamart’ illuminated the city”.13
After the recognition by the Allied Supreme Council, other governments
in turn adopted the same decision: the United States on January 26, France,
Great Britain, and Italy on January 28, Japan on March 7, and so on….
CC: Preventing Armenia from Becoming a Failed State
By Robert O. Krikorian, PhD,
Keghart
When Armenia declared independence in 1991, it was greeted with jubilation and deep unease both in Armenia and in the various Armenian Diaspora communities. This was understandable given that Armenia was engaged in a life-or-death struggle with Azerbaijan over Artsakh; its previously integrated Soviet economy was in shambles; and its lack of independent statehood for over 600 years (with the notable exception of the short-lived Republic of Armenia 1918-1920).
The odds seemed stacked against the fledgling republic, yet there was also optimism. Many believed that the suppressed talents of Armenians, inside and outside of the homeland, would be harnessed for the good of the country and would lay the foundations of a stable democratic state. These hopes, sadly, have proven unfulfilled as of yet.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the absence of administrative cadres experienced in democratic governance severely hampered attempts to build a strong and stable state. And while Western aid was forthcoming, it often only addressed the symptoms plaguing the Armenian body politic, not its root causes.
Combined with the legacy of entrenched corruption, and the burdens of war, refugees, and earthquake reconstruction, Armenia has been unable to overcome these legitimate institutional challenges and is struggling to survive in a very rough geopolitical neighborhood.
If we use the common definition of a failed state as a sovereign country whose central government has lost effective control over its territory and can no longer provide fundamental security, maintain the rule of law, or deliver basic public services to its citizens, today’s Armenia is edging dangerously close to fulfilling these criteria.
Armenia no longer has effective control over its territory. This does not refer to the devastating loss of Artsakh and ethnic cleansing of its indigenous inhabitants, but rather the Azerbaijani occupation of sovereign, internationally recognized Armenian territory. The current regime has done little to reverse this occupation and instead reverts to obfuscation or denial. In addition, there is the real threat that Armenia will lose even more sovereign territory if the ill-conceived TRIPP is pushed through.
In terms of providing fundamental security for the people of Armenia, the current regime abdicated this responsibility with the handover of Artsakh. Furthermore, it has failed to learn any lessons from this defeat and instead has taken steps that undermine the readiness and effectiveness of the armed forces. The government’s argument that Armenia is better off without Artsakh is transparently false, as any passing glance at a map will show.
The rule of law in Armenia is regularly ignored and has been weaponized in an unprecedented display of abuse of power. Arbitrary detention, fabricated legal cases, unlawful persecution of the opposition, and the national church are not only ongoing but have increased in intensity in the run-up to the June elections.
In an overtly propagandistic show, the regime recently invited European interference in Armenia’s domestic politics to allegedly prevent Russia from doing the same. The government has failed to explain what makes European interference any less destabilizing than Russian interference. It was obviously a pre-election ploy that the EU was more than happy to participate in for its own interests, not Armenia’s.
But not to be outdone by the EU, the Trump administration sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Yerevan for a one-hour visit as a tacit show of support for the current regime. It is certainly not a coincidence that the visit comes just days ahead of the elections. The United States for its own interests needs a compliant government in Armenia and cannot afford to have the incumbent lose.
In neither case did the Europeans or Americans question the current regime about its increasing abuse of power and obvious democratic backsliding.
Regarding the delivery of public services in Armenia, the current regime hasn’t provided meaningful employment or basic social services to those in need. The steady assault on small and medium enterprises has weakened the middle class, while taxation and arbitrary government “inspections” are used as levers of control. And Armenia’s rural situation is teetering on the brink of disaster, both economically and demographically.
Of course, many of these problems predate the current regime but the seeming obsession with non-productive activities like persecuting the Armenian Apostolic Church, restricting discussion of the Armenian Genocide, and undermining the pillars of Armenian national identity instead of focusing on the basic needs of the people has only exacerbated longstanding problems. Pensions remain low, unemployment remains high, yet the police and security forces keep getting raises, most likely to ensure their loyalty.
Given such a scorecard, what is to be done? And by whom? The simple, but not simplistic, answer is to harness the untapped potential of the various Armenian Diaspora communities. It is only through the jointly organized and focused efforts on state building that we can bring Armenia back from the brink of state failure.
The only fully committed entity that Armenia can count on is the Armenian Diaspora. Why? Because we are not friends, we are family. This statement is not naive optimism but is based on observable behavior. We have already proven our commitment to the well-being of Armenia. Diaspora’s multidimensional generosity has been a hallmark of our relationship to the homeland.
For the first time in modern Armenian history, there is a Diaspora with deep roots and connections to an independent Armenian homeland. Family ties, business ties, and cultural connections bring hundreds of thousands of Diaspora Armenians to Armenia every year. These ties hold the keys to a renewed Armenia.
Unfortunately, however, we must acknowledge the failure of successive Armenian governments to effectively harness the experience, expertise, and resources of Diaspora communities. Yes, Diaspora communities have given their money, time, and expertise to Armenia since the beginning of statehood, but these efforts need coordination at the state level. We are now long past the time when such efforts should be undertaken only by individuals and/or organizations. These efforts need pan-Armenian coordination and strategic planning.
The most basic question is what kind of Armenia do we want? We all have opinions, certainly, but do these opinions align with the strategic necessity of building a strong state with equally strong institutions? And who is to determine these priorities?
These priorities can be determined by an ongoing structured strategic dialogue between the Republic of Armenia and the various Diaspora communities. It is time to fundamentally rethink the structure of Armenia-Diaspora relations. The current structure of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs is both inadequate and divisive. Selective access is not the road to success. Picking winners and losers and selectively determining who is “worthy” of government attention only leads to alienation and despondency. Lack of tolerance for differing Diaspora views and lack of understanding of local conditions are inexcusable 35 years after independence.
Constructive criticism is the hallmark of a strong body politic, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora.
Until the current regime abolished it, Armenia had a Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Today’s conditions call for either its reestablishment or perhaps the creation of a special Department for Diaspora Affairs within the Foreign Affairs Ministry. But whatever path is chosen, every Armenian embassy and consulate should have officials whose job it is to reach out and coordinate all pan-Armenian efforts. Relations with the Diaspora must be made a top priority instead of the afterthought that they are today. Nothing less than the future success of Armenia depends upon it.
Creating the transnational civil society space to have a meaningful dialogue on those issues of pan-Armenian interest, such as economic development, national security, and national identity, is an imperative if we want to reverse the trajectory of state decline before it turns into irreversible state failure.
*****
Dr. Robert O. Krikorian retired from the Department of State after more than two decades as an intelligence analyst and senior adviser. He began his State Department career as a diplomatic historian, focusing on the practical and policy-relevant applications of historical knowledge. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Clark University, a Master’s Degree from The George Washington University and received his PhD in History and Eurasian Studies from Harvard University, where he also taught courses on Russian and Middle Eastern History. In addition, he has taught at the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University and has lectured to hundreds of diplomats at the State Department Foreign Service Institute as part of their training for postings in the South Caucasus and elsewhere. Dr. Krikorian has written and presented extensively on the modern history and politics of Armenia and Eurasia.
168: In Hungary, Trump’s support posts did not work, it is not a fact that they will work
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.
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.
—
“One thing is not clear. Why did Nikol Pashinyan not go to Astana and the EAEU session?
May 29, 2026
Member of the Executive Body (GM) of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), former First Deputy Minister of Defense Artak Zakaryan writes: “Nikol Pashinyan, who fights for power at all costs, turns any event into his pre-election PR.
The dates of the conference of the European political community and the official visit of President Emmanuel Macron were chosen for this purpose. Of course, it is impressive when high-ranking officials from different countries come and “encourage” Nikoli, without delving into the future problems of Armenia.
The “Touch-and-Go” visit of the Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the memorandum signed on the minerals and rare minerals of Armenia, and then the note of the President Donald Trump also turned into pre-election support. It can also be assumed that official Yerevan asked to make such a note.
The military parade turned into a pre-election exhibition and its presentation was not carried out for the purpose of demonstrating the military power of the state, but for the purpose of propaganda around one person. The entire propaganda text was not aimed at the territorial integrity and inviolability of the state, but the thesis “look how bad the former are and how good Nikol is” was propagated. In fact, the opportune occasion for the ideology of Armenian military parades is the jubilee anniversaries of independence on September 21.
They say that the wine festival of the coming days will also be used for direct and indirect propaganda of Nikol Pashinyan’s personality. Performances of toasts, greetings and dances, clapping and laughter, singing and dancing… In short, dear people, “me kef, me joy” has been given to you by Grandpa Nikol.
All this is understandable. After disasters, wars, human and territorial losses and damages, it is clear that for Nikol Pashinyan and CP, only non-stop shows and large-scale manipulations could provide a smokescreen.
Something is not clear. Why didn’t Nikol Pashinyan go to Astana (from where he received the highest state award “Golden Eagle”) and why didn’t he turn the EATM session into his pre-election PR? Coming back from vacation for a day wasn’t hard.
I have no doubt that if Nikol Pashinyan was sure that he could have pre-election benefit from that session by receiving the kind words and good wishes of the leaders of EAEU member states, he would definitely go.
And the “pioneers” of CP propaganda would talk about another secular and unprecedented diplomatic achievement. They would tell Armenian businessmen how the bravely fighting Pashinyan paves the way to EAEU markets for the welfare of our citizens. So, as they have been doing until today, when Nikol participated in all the meetings of the EAEU.
Doesn’t this mean that Nikol Pashinyan has already lost trust with a part of the outside world that has ties to Armenia, and he knows it? Therefore, what guarantees are there that one fine day, he will not lose credibility with the Western world as well?
Maybe that’s why the US administration has been guided by the pragmatic principle of “rare metals memo in the evening, support in the morning”?
It is difficult to trust the rulers of the country who make contradictory statements and conduct contradictory policies.”
—
EAEU warns Yerevan. what will follow the statement of the EAEU leaders?
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.
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.
—
Preparations for Armenia’s EU membership contain risks. Head of EATMU
May 29, 2026
Today, during the meeting of the Supreme Council of the EAEU, the 4 leaders of the EAEU adopted a statement on the EAEU membership and rapprochement agenda of the Republic of Armenia. According to Yuri Ushakov, assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, the statement was conveyed to the RA Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, who was participating in the session. You can read the announcement below.
“We, the Presidents of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation,
taking into account the actions of the Republic of Armenia aimed at joining the European Union, including the adoption by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia of the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On Starting the Process of Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union” in 2025 and its signing by the President of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the confirmation by the European Union of the European aspirations of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, which was expressed in the joint declaration adopted on May 5, 2026, following the results of the first Armenia-European Union Summit,
bearing in mind the significant risks for the economic security of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (hereinafter referred to as the Union) arising from the preparation of the Republic of Armenia for joining the European Union, as well as the need to prevent damage to the member states of the Union;
We adopted a decision that the members of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council from the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation will report on the possible consequences of the suspension of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union to the Republic of Armenia at the next session of the Eurasian Economic Council to be held in December 2026.
We share the position that it is necessary to hold a national referendum in the Republic of Armenia as soon as possible on joining the European Union or remaining a member of the Eurasian Economic Union.”
—
“We are cold. the product is not sold, what do they do? they pour. The seller is sha
May 29, 2026
From May 30, “Rosselkhoznad:powerful” to decideThe import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Armenia to Russia will be limited Federation. The import of cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, green peppers and other fruits and vegetables to the Russian Federation will be limited until, according to “Rosselkhoznazar”,՝ don’t settle for that of products the issue of ensuring security.
It has been limited since May 22r alsoThe import of flowers from Armenia to the Russian market.
168.am visited last nightr: Hovtashatof the village, or, as is popularly known “Meimandari” and Date palmin:ri marz Rainbow operating near the village markets, talk to greenhouse owners՝ to find out what these restrictions are՞what problems will it cause for them, how?՞This is how they imagine the solution to the problem.
Many avoided presenting their problems on camera, they said off camera that the villager was left alone with his problems, it belongs to a bodythe their they are notoffers where the developed product carry out, because, if they grow a large amount of cucumbers, tomatoes or other vegetables, they cannot fully sell them in the domestic market. Artahadue to such restrictions, the price of the product decreases, the result of whichto whom and greenhouse owners are unable to pay the cost of gas and electricity.
“I feel very bad about all this՝waythe will close bazaarwill be filled with goods, the goods will not be sold, it’s the people the product in:՞what should he do? The product is not sold՞what will they do shedding if it doesn’t go out, it won’t be sold, it will stay in place. Sing!,you’d see what was happening in the morning bazaarwho was stuffed with klubnik. The peasant cultivates, but if the product is not used up, the peasant i՞what should he do? Product scheduleain such a case, the product will be much cheaper։
Greens are not cheap at the moment, the products that are exported to Russia are cheap. The solution to the issue will be to not block the road with Russia, the answer to this question will be clear after the elections»,- mentioned one of the greenhouse owners.
One of the women we talked to said that Russia is not the apple of her eye, but they live with it.
“We have great ties with the Russian market, and՛we give and receive, not the light of my eye, but for your family, for the state, we have to… A:Well, what is our situation, because the Turks are opening the border, right?՞What have we lost in Turkey that they are opening, there are Armenians?՞ there. What about you?sh:they are man, they are turk, that’s it՞Can you explain, they did a Genocide 2-3 times.
All this affects us a lot, we think՝under the gas o՞let’s go out, we burned 5 million worth of gas, we think՝ let’s give it, what about the child’s existence?՞let’s keep it.
If: the product we export, we sell in the market so that we can keep the child as well, the cost too let’s take it out, and now we think՝ oh՞Let’s take it and pay the price of gas: 3 am:we lit my gas. If the product does not go out, we are not satisfied with the trade. We are left without a owner, the Persian is bringing, he is loading the goods, the Russian is blocking the road, we are left alone. Armenians will go and buy Persian goods without even knowing it՝what he ate, but they don’t buy the local one»,- mentioned womanh.
Also at the existing market in the adjacent part of Tsiatsan village greenhouse ownerswere again complaining about the cheap prices of products, saying that they buy potato seeds more expensive than they sell potatoes.
“I sell potatoes for 200 drams. If the road is closed, it means՝ we must throw away what we are, we are not satisfied with the trade. How much now?՞Let’s sell the product so that I can take out the expenses yest:aLet me keep in mind, if the product becomes cheaper, then we are working at a loss. Need a solution to this issue The Government will decide that the peasant is suffering so much, but the product has no price.” said the greenhouse owner.
One of the greenhouse owners said that his are generally not affected by these restrictions.
“Our Armenians will take, let them take and eat, they will be satisfied” he mentioned.
One of the greenhouse owners, who also had apricot orchards, was concernedthe expressed that if this continues, they won’t be able to export apricots, moreover, there is no hope, that he will deduct the expenses this year, because he spent a lot, but the apricot harvest is small.
One of the young greenhouse owners, who did not sowkapain zeroto the camera to:jev said off the record that this decision will positively affect only the traders, the common peasant only hurtwill go.
“Today, most of the cherries, grapes, apricots are procured, if there was no export, in՞what should a person do? If the apricots are not exported to the Russian Federation, it will be very bad. Apricots are scarce this year, but there is one thing: not so much will be sold here, and even if it is sold, it will be very cheap and will not cover the cost. Starting with water today՝ everything has gone up in price։
If this continues, the condition of the peasant will be very bad»,- mentioned our interlocutor.
Մանրամասները՝ 168.amin the video of
Zvart Khachatryan
—