Category: News

The guarantee of the opposition’s victory is activating Yerevan and the Youth

Baghdasarian Karlen
Aysor, Armenia
April 15 2026

All available polling data indicate that Nikol Pashinyan has lower approval ratings in Yerevan compared to the regions. The data also show that individuals with higher education levels tend to hold more anti-government views, while older citizens are generally more pro-government. Conversely, younger people are more inclined toward opposition positions.

“These and other data points are well known to all political forces. But is the opposition drawing the necessary conclusions? Is it taking these realities into account? Unfortunately, not sufficiently,” said Armen Khachikyan, head of the “Arar” Foundation, in an interview with the program There Are Questions.

According to him, the opposition remains unprepared for unity. “On the contrary, there are forces that, by entering the elections, will only fragment the vote,” he noted.

Khachikyan emphasized that the opposition’s main opportunity lies in mobilizing the “silent majority.” In his view, the most passive segments today are young people and residents of Yerevan.

“The guarantee of the opposition’s victory is the activation of Yerevan and the youth,” he stated.

The full interview is available in the video.

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I’ll tell you in a few days – Samvel Karapetyan on his chances of winning the

Emil Lazarian
Aysor, Armenia
April 15 2026

“I’ll tell you in a few days,” the leader of the “Strong Armenia” party, Samvel Karapetyan, told reporters after leaving the court, responding to a question about how he assesses his chances of winning the elections.

It should be noted that the court hearing in Karapetyan’s case has been postponed and is scheduled to resume on April 17.

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The Civil Contract Party has changed the destructive course of our history… Ar

Jane Topchian
Aysor, Armenia
April 15 2026

Armenia has overcome the agenda of survival and struggle imposed on it and has entered a new historical phase focused on peaceful development, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated during a session of the National Assembly.

According to him, the country’s current mission is to educate, work, and build a stronger state.

Pashinyan expressed gratitude to members of the Civil Contract Party for making an “epoch-making milestone” possible, while emphasizing that the primary credit belongs to the people.

“I would also like to stress that this became possible, first and foremost, thanks to the support of the people,” he noted.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the current reality has come at a high cost — through numerous victims, sacrifices, hardships, and suffering.

“The phrase ‘Karabakh was ours and is no longer ours’ reflects a philosophy of being trapped geopolitically. The reality is that Armenia was not truly ours and is hence ours. The territories that were under our control were held at the expense of our statehood, sovereignty, and independence – and we failed to fully understand this,” he said.

Pashinyan added that the Civil Contract has ultimately altered the destructive trajectory of Armenia’s history and placed the country on a path toward a more peaceful and constructive future.

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I myself do not have a sense of justice in Armenia – Nikol Pashinyan criticize

Ekmekjian Janet
Aysor, Armenia
April 15 2026

Following the 2018 revolution, the most significant criticism directed at the government and the ruling majority has been their inability to achieve results in the field of justice that could be considered satisfactory, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at the 8th meeting of the Armenia-EU Civil Society Platform.

“In the Republic of Armenia, the judicial and justice systems, as well as the broader sense of fairness, lack an organic connection with the highest source of power – the people. This is one of the most important issues we must address in the near future, including through the adoption of a new Constitution,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, the justice system in Armenia is administered by institutions that remain isolated and lack sufficient accountability and responsibility to the public.

“As a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, I myself do not have a sense of justice and fairness in the country. This is a fundamental problem that we must resolve,” Pashinyan concluded.

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Rubinyan Pushes Media Transparency Drive While Dismissing Russia Tension Claim

Frangulian Shushan
Caucasus Watch, Germany
April 15 2026
15 Apr 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

On April 14, Ruben Rubinyan, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, stated that he expects public support for measures requiring media outlets and journalists funded by oligarchs to disclose their financial sources. “I’m confident that the people will give us a mandate to force media outlets and journalists who are subsidized by various oligarchs to disclose their financial sources,” Rubinyan stated, adding that he intends to continue targeting media organizations that lack transparency. “All media outlets that don’t provide transparent information about their financial sources will be my targets,” he emphasized.

Addressing speculation about a possible increase in gas prices, Rubinyan stated that such claims are not based on signals from Russia. He argued that certain Armenian political forces and affiliated media outlets are promoting this narrative to suggest the existence of economic tensions between Armenia and Russia. “Do you mean that Russia should default on its obligations? Commit hostile actions? For what?” he stated.

Rubinyan described these claims as a “bubble,” asserting that they are being artificially inflated for political purposes. “And I know why they’re inflating it. Because the Kaluga oligarch [Samvel Karapetyan] plans to make this part of a political campaign,” he noted, expressing confidence that such efforts would not succeed.

He further emphasized that discussions currently taking place with Russia are not new and have occurred in previous years without leading to serious consequences. “As you can see, nothing catastrophic has happened. Russia is a friendly country, we continue our friendly relations and discuss issues in a friendly atmosphere. Naturally, we won’t agree on everything,” Rubinyan stated.

According to Rubinyan, Armenia’s stance on the railway issue remains unchanged, stressing that the country does not intend to act behind Russia’s back. He added that while Yerevan seeks to avoid escalating tensions, it continues to address specific issues through ongoing dialogue.


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Simonyan Blends Personal Diplomacy and Regional Dialogue in Remarks on Russia

Arbi Tashjian
Caucasus Watch, Germany
April 15 2026
15 Apr 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

On April 14, Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, commented on his recent telephone conversation with Valentina Matviyenko, the Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, noting that it took place on the occasion of her birthday and was primarily personal in nature. “We always communicate openly, directly, and with mutual respect. The main conversation was personal, on the occasion of a birthday,” Simonyan stated, adding that he expects to meet Matviyenko again in the coming days in Istanbul. He emphasized that the planned contact there would not be an official meeting.

Simonyan also noted that a meeting with parliamentary counterparts from Azerbaijan and Georgia is expected during an upcoming conference in Istanbul, expressing confidence that existing issues could be discussed and addressed. He stressed that Armenia does not intend to enter into conflict with Russia, stating that problems should be resolved through dialogue in order to move forward.

Addressing reports about potential difficulties faced by Armenian businesses in Russia, including issues related to brandy producers and Jermuk mineral water, Simonyan stated that Armenia poses no threat to Russia and has no intention of doing so. “There are some issues, but such issues exist between all countries. We, political figures, are here to discuss and resolve them,” he emphasized.

Commenting on Armenia’s approach to balancing its relations within the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union, Simonyan noted that dialogue remains the key tool when differences arise. He referred to past attempts to reconcile these directions, recalling negotiations conducted under Serzh Sargsyan, the former President of Armenia, and subsequent developments.

Responding to a question about potential shifts in policy, Simonyan highlighted differences between past and current leadership, referencing Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and former leaders Robert Kocharyan, the former President of Armenia, and Serzh Sargsyan. He implied that the current government follows a distinct political course compared to previous administrations.


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Armenia Deepens Cooperation with EU And France Through High-Level Talks

Babken Chilingarian
Caucasus Watch, Germany
April 15 2026
15 Apr 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

On April 14, Armenian officials including PM Nikol Pashinyan and FM Ararat Mirzoyan held meetings in Brussels and Yerevan with EU and French counterparts to advance Armenia–EU relations, deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, and discuss regional peace efforts with Azerbaijan.

Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, held a meeting in Brussels with Kaja Kallas, the Vice-President of the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during which the sides discussed the advancement of the Armenia–EU strategic partnership agenda. The discussions focused on the consistent implementation of joint initiatives and the substantive preparation for the upcoming Armenia–EU Summit scheduled to take place in Yerevan in May. Both sides emphasized the importance of translating agreed frameworks into practical programs that deliver tangible benefits to Armenian citizens. Mirzoyan and Kallas also addressed efforts to strengthen democratic resilience, describing it as a core component of the value-based Armenia–EU partnership. In this context, they reached an understanding on ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of targeted mechanisms supporting democratic processes. They further underlined the importance of deepening economic and transport connectivity, alongside expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Regional developments were also discussed, with Mirzoyan presenting Armenia’s ongoing efforts toward the institutionalization of peace with Azerbaijan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia also met in Brussels with Andrius Kubilius, the European Union Commissioner for Defence and Space, where both sides noted the positive momentum in the expanding Armenia–EU partnership. The interlocutors exchanged views on prospects for cooperation in security and defence, highlighting that Armenia’s progress in implementing democratic reforms and the adoption of a strategic agenda for Armenia–EU cooperation have created new opportunities for engagement. They also discussed preparations for upcoming high-level events in Yerevan, including the Armenia–EU Summit. Kubilius and Mirzoyan additionally exchanged views on regional developments, with the Armenian side outlining steps aimed at further institutionalizing peace with Azerbaijan.

On the same day, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, received Benjamin Haddad, the French Minister Delegate for European Affairs, to discuss the development of Armenia–France bilateral relations and cooperation across multiple sectors. The talks included reference to Armenia–EU relations and preparations for the European Political Community Summit to be held in Armenia. Both sides also addressed regional developments and measures aimed at ensuring peace and stability, emphasizing the importance of continued political dialogue and expanded cooperation in areas of mutual interest.


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The death of a soldier in Armenia has resulted in a criminal case.

Emil Lazarian
Caucasian Knot
April 15 2026
The death of a soldier in Armenia has resulted in a criminal case.

Soldier Narek Hakobyan died in Armenia from a gunshot wound. An investigation into the incident has been launched under the article on incitement to suicide.

As reported by the “Caucasian Knot,” human rights activists stated in October 2024 that the proportion of non-combat casualties among Armenian soldiers has risen to 90%. They called on the state to pay more attention to crime and suicide prevention in the army.

On April 14, serviceman Narek Hakobyan died in Armenia. An investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances of the incident, Novosti-Armenia reports, citing agency press secretary Aram Torosyan.

According to media reports, the incident occurred at a military unit’s training ground. 19-year-old Narek Hakobyan received a gunshot wound and died en route to a military hospital, News.am writes.

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has launched an investigation under Part 1 of Article 523 of the Criminal Code (incitement to suicide). Investigators have ordered forensic examinations, the publication reports.

05:41 31.12.2025Researchers report non-combat losses in Azerbaijani security forcesIrrecoverable losses in Azerbaijani security forces in the past year amounted to 42 people, all of them died in non-combat conditions, the Caspian Institute of Military research.
As a reminder, on April 3, it was also reported that an explosion occurred at a military training ground in the Armavir region, resulting in the death of a 29-year-old contract soldier and the injury of a 39-year-old soldier. A criminal case has been opened under the article on negligence of a military official resulting in death.

The increase in non-combat casualties among military personnel has repeatedly raised questions for the Armenian authorities. The authorities and the ombudsman must address the issue of peacetime military deaths, the parents of fallen soldiers stated in November 2023.

In February 2022, participants in a discussion in Yerevan stated that the increase in non-combat casualties in military units indicates systemic problems in the Armenian army. At the same time, according to them, the authorities refuse to involve civil society activists in addressing the problem.

Two years earlier, in February 2020, human rights activists stated that the principles of a criminal environment and a climate of impunity have taken root in the Armenian armed forces, which contribute to hazing practices.

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Armenia investigates two of Karapetyan’s affiliates for pre-election bribery

Boshkezenian Garik
OC Media
April 15 2026

Two members of Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party, Gohar Ghumashyan and Verzhine Stepanyan, have been placed under investigation after being detained for allegedly violating a ban on handing out charities during the pre-election period.

The Anti-Corruption Committee announced on Tuesday that in March, ‘under the guise of charity’, two members of Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia party ‘provided financial assistance gratuitously to various residents’ of Armenia eligible to vote in the 7 June parliamentary elections. In another case, they also ‘promised to provide a service on preferential terms’.

It also published what appeared to be secret recordings of phone conversations, presented as evidence in the case.

The opposition, including the Strong Armenia party, swiftly condemned the arrest of the two women, emphasising that Ghumashyan is a mother of three children, one of whom she is still breastfeeds.

As a form of protest, party representatives brought milk bottles for toddlers to the Anti-Corruption Committee.

Strong Armenia called the arrest ‘another manifestation of [Prime Minister Nikol] Pashinyan’s panic’.

As the accusations against the two Strong Armenia members were voiced, the committee told the state-run media outlet Armenpress that a motion had been submitted to place Ghumashyan under house arrest instead of detention.

The case involving the two women is the latest of several similar cases launched in recent months against Karapetyan’s party, which, according to polls, is the main political opponent of Pashinyan’s Civil Contract in the upcoming elections.

Explainer | Who is Samvel Karapetyan, the Russian–Armenian billionaire whose empire is under siege

Earlier in April, Armenian authorities arrested an employee of Karapetyan’s Our Way of Preservation of National Values NGO.

According to investigators, since February, the employee allegedly transferred a total of ֏500,000 ($1,300) to another individual who had also been hired by the organisation. Authorities claim the payments were not for work related to Our Way, but were instead intended to ensure the person’s participation in Karapetyan’s court hearings and other proceedings.

In March, the Investigative Committee reported that a Gazprom Armenia employee and his wife allegedly threatened a Tashir resident to coerce them into joining the Strong Armenia party and voting for it in the 7 June elections. The two are charged with impeding electoral rights, with the man being detained and the woman facing bail and travel restrictions.

Also in March, five people were arrested, with one being placed in pre-trial detention in connection with alleged election-related bribery linked to the Strong Armenia party. The party has denied the accusations.

Armenia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS) announced in March that it detected signs of possible foreign interference ahead of elections. The FIS said Armenians living abroad have reportedly been pressured to back certain political parties, without specifying the country behind the alleged interference.

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Russia reopens case against Armenia’s Jermuk water amid tensions with Yerevan

Emil Lazarian
OC Media
April 15 2026

A criminal case regarding the death of North Ossetian man Oleg Gusov, who reportedly died in 2024 after drinking contaminated mineral water from the Armenian company Jermuk, has been reopened in Russia. The revival of the case comes amidst renewed tensions between Armenia and Russia.

The case was reopened at an unspecified date in March, but was only announced on 10 April.

Without disclosing further details, the Russian Investigative Committee’s department in North Ossetia said that the resumption of the case came ‘due to newly discovered circumstances’.

It also acknowledged that the preliminary investigation previously was suspended, as ‘it was not possible to identify those involved in the crime’.

The Investigative Committee, in collaboration with the Federal Security Service (FSB) in North Ossetia, ‘are currently conducting investigative actions and operational-search activities aimed at collecting and consolidating evidence’, the statement said.

The case concerns the death of 65-year-old Gusov, allegedly after drinking contaminated Jermuk mineral water on 11 February 2024 at his home, having previously purchased it from a retail outlet in Vladikavkaz. His health subsequently deteriorated, and he later died following hospitalisation. Reports indicated that Gusov died as a result of consuming acetic acid that ‘could have ended up in the bottle as a result of a violation of the technological process’.

North Ossetian family sues Armenia’s Jermuk waters for $15 million over wrongful death

Following the incident, Jermuk was sanctioned in Russia, with restrictions later being lifted after inspections. At the time, the Jermuk Group dismissed accusations that the bottle contained vinegar instead of mineral water.

In January 2025, as Armenia–Russia relations entered a new round of crises, following Yerevan’s approval of a draft law that would see the commencement of Armenia’s EU negotiations, Gusov’s family filed a lawsuit for ₽1.5 billion ($15 million) against the Armenian manufacturer, as well as its representative and distributors in Russia.

Following reports on the reopening of the case, Armenian media outlet ArmLur on Tuesday published a statement from the company’s legal department.

It noted that since the launch of the criminal case against Jermuk following Gusov’s death, ‘no employee of Jermuk Group has been involved in the criminal case as a suspect or an accused, and no charges have been brought’.

‘Which indicates that there are no claims or suspicions from the investigative authorities against Jermuk Group CJSC or its employees’, the statement read.

It further noted that the Gusov family’s claims against the company had been ‘fully rejected’ by the Sovetsky District Court of Vladikavkaz in December 2025. The ruling was later appealed, but was dismissed by the Supreme Court of North Ossetia on 10 April.

Asked about the case among other economic concerns, Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Alen Simonyan said on Tuesday that all problems with Russia would be resolved through dialogue.

‘There are some issues, and such issues exist between all countries. At times, these issues increase or decrease. That’s what we politicians are for — to discuss and resolve these issues’, Simonyan said.

A track record of economic pressure

Russia has previously been accused of using food health standards as a way to exert economic pressure on countries — including Armenia.

Over the past several years, as Armenian–Russian relations plummeted, Moscow has repeatedly claimed that different Armenian products, including brandy, failed to meet Russian standards.

Previously, Russia banned imports of Georgian wines and Borjomi mineral water in 2006 as tensions between the Kremlin and then–Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili rose. Russia lifted the ban in 2013, soon after Saakashvili lost power.

Putin and Pashinyan hold contentious talks in Moscow

The reopening of the Jermuk case occurred following tense talks between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 1 April.

During the meeting, Putin underscored the impossibility of Armenia being a member of  both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Furthermore, the sides failed to reach an agreement regarding the future of Armenia’s railways, which are currently under Russian management as part of a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2008.

Despite Yerevan insisting that Russian management means a loss of ‘competitive advantage’ by having international routes pass through the country, following the talks Moscow said there were ‘no objective reasons for selling’ the South Caucasus Railway concession to a third party.

Immediately after the Pashinyan–Putin talks, Russia announced ‘stricter requirements’ on the import of Armenian products.

Separately, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk accused Armenia of coming ‘very close to the point where we will have to restructure our economic relations with this country’.

In turn, Armenia threatened to leave Russian-led economic and security blocs — the EAEU and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CTSO — if economic pressure from Russia continued, particularly regarding the prices of gas Armenia received from Russia gas — which Putin stressed were preferential in early April.

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