Difficulties with exporting Armenian products to Russia are a consequence of a

Kanayan Tamar
ARKA, Armenia
Aug 6, 2026
06.08.2026, 21:59

Difficulties with exporting Armenian products are not related to Russian restrictions, but are a consequence of a possible severance of traditional economic ties.
YEREVAN, August 6. /ARKA/. Difficulties with exporting Armenian products are not related to Russian restrictions, but are a consequence of a possible severance of traditional economic ties. This was stated by Alexey Fadeyev, Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, as reported by RBC.

“We must understand that these are not our restrictions; this is the reality that awaits the republic when traditional ties are severed. And we have repeatedly called on the Armenian leadership to speak honestly about all the pros and cons of this reorientation toward the EU,” he said.

According to Fadeyev, the Armenian authorities are presenting the emerging problems as restrictions from Moscow, while simultaneously concealing from citizens the socioeconomic consequences of their course toward rapprochement with the European Union. “If we hide behind the beautiful word ‘diversification’ a pivot away from Eurasian integration and a traditional ally toward the openly hostile European Union, especially after a direct confrontation with Russia, then this is a blatant deception not only of our Eurasian integration partners but also of our own population,” Fadeyev noted.

Restrictions on the supply of Armenian products to Russia

Since the end of May, Russia has been gradually introducing restrictions on the supply of certain products from Armenia, citing violations of phytosanitary requirements. The restrictions include flowers, mineral water, certain types of alcoholic beverages, vegetables, fruits, berries, grapes, potatoes, dried fruits, later live fish and fish products, and, starting on July 27, dairy products.

On August 4, it was announced that sales in Russia of more than 70,000 bottles of BZHNI and Prosto Azbuka drinking water, including children’s water, and the non-alcoholic Mojito brand DARBAS have been suspended.

The restrictions also include a ban on the transit of products of Armenian origin through Russia to other EAEU countries. In early August of this year, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia Hovhannes Khachatryan stated that if Armenian exports to Russia were to be reduced or stopped, a portion of the Armenian economy equivalent to approximately 1.5–2% of GDP could be at risk.

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HDF opens applications for the Turkey–Armenia Long-Term Fellowship Program

Alex Jidarian
Aug 7, 2026
Applications are now open for the fifth round of the Hrant Dink Foundation’s Turkey–Armenia Long-Term Fellowship Program.

The Hrant Dink Foundation has opened applications for the fifth round of the Turkey–Armenia Long-Term Fellowship Program. As part of the program, a total of three professionals from Armenia and Turkey will be able to take part in a specially designed program for three to six months at a host organization in the neighboring country between January and July 2027.

The priority fields of work for this round have been identified as environment and climate change, cultural heritage, and tourism. However, if the number or quality of applications in these fields turns out to be insufficient, applications from other fields of work may also be considered.

For the 2026–2027 round, 17 host organizations from Turkey and 12 from Armenia will host professionals from the neighboring country. In addition to the programs proposed by host organizations, applicants who wish to implement their own project ideas in the neighboring country may also apply.

Application requirements

The program is open to anyone who holds Armenian or Turkish citizenship and is legally residing in one of these countries.

Applicants must be over the age of 18, demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the fellowship program for which they are applying, and have a good command of written and spoken English. All application documents must be prepared in English.

Applicants are required to upload a completed Fellowship Proposal Form together with an up-to-date professional curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than two pages via the Online Application Form. In addition, the Hrant Dink Foundation, the Selection Committee, or the relevant Host Organization may request additional documents if necessary.

What does the fellowship cover?

Under the program, fellows will receive a monthly stipend to cover accommodation, local transportation, and living expenses throughout the fellowship period. The fellowship will also cover international round-trip travel between Armenia and Turkey, transportation to the city where the Host Organization is located, visa and residence permit fees, and travel insurance.

Applications open until September 14

Applicants are required to download and complete the Fellowship Proposal Form before starting the online application, and then upload both the completed form and their CV through the Online Application Form.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on September 14, 2026. The Foundation recommends that applicants carefully review the Turkey–Armenia Long-Term Fellowship Program Regulations, which include the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and selection process, before applying.

Those who would like to receive further information about the program or ask questions may contact the project team via [email protected].

The Turkey–Armenia Long-Term Fellowship Program previously supported a total of 44 fellows from Armenia and Turkey during its four rounds held between 2014 and 2018 in Istanbul, Yerevan, and Gyumri.

You can learn more on the Hrant Dink Foundation’s website.

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Pashinyan says Russian economic restrictions on Armenia could ‘become problem

Hovik Karapetian
OC Media
Aug 7, 2026
by Ani Ghulinyan

7 August 2026 (Updated:  about 10 hours ago)•2 min read

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has warned that Russia’s economic restrictions on Armenian exports could become a problem for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) by preventing its market from ‘functioning properly’.

Pashinyan’s remarks came during a Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. There, Pashinyan reaffirmed that deepening cooperation with fellow EAEU member states remains a priority for Armenia’s foreign and economic policy.

The comments come in response to a series of Russian trade restrictions on Armenian goods as part of Moscow’s economic pressure on Armenia surrounding the Armenian parliamentary elections, which took place in June, as well as Armenia’s push for warmer ties with the West and EU and repeated warnings from Russia and the EAEU about the consequences of leaving the bloc.

During the summit’s first session, which Pashinyan attended alongside with the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, he stated that continued restrictions on Armenian exports  prevent the market from ‘functioning properly’, and warned that it could become a problem for the whole EAEU.

Since May, Russia has restricted imports of certain Armenian berries and fresh vegetables, suspended the sale of alcoholic beverages from several Armenian producers, banned the import of Jermuk mineral water, and blocked the import of 70,000 bottles from other water and soft drink producers.

During the Cholpon-Ata meeting, Pashinyan also addressed the EAEU’s demands that Armenia hold a referendum on whether it wants to leave the Russia-led bloc in favour of joining the EU.

‘We cannot hold a referendum on an issue that does not currently exist’, Pashinyan said.

He reiterated that current relations with the EU did not conflict with Armenia’s obligations under the EAEU and added that Armenia cannot be a party to both blocs simultaneously. However, he also mentioned that since the country is not yet ready for EU membership, Armenia did not need to make a decision on the matter.

Ahead of the summit, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk said that trade turnover between Russia and Armenia has fallen by two-thirds this year. He warned that the decline is likely to continue, following a drop in turnover from a record $12 billion in 2024 to $8 billion last year.

Overchuk also said that despite constantly hearing public statements about it, Russia has not received any formal application from Armenia to end its concession-based management of the South Caucasus Railway, adding that Moscow is ready to continue managing the concession and would prefer the issue to be resolved ‘calmly, through consultations’.

His remarks follow recent comments by Pashinyan that there is no alternative to taking back control of the Armenian railway from Russian management. Russian Railways rejected the claim, insisting that if Armenia wants to change or end the arrangement, it must first repay the investments it made.

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Russia says citizens may be warned against visiting Armenia if ‘systematic arr

Boshkezenian Garik
OC Media
Aug 7, 2026
by Nate Ostiller

7 August 2026•2 min read

Russian tourists may be cautioned against visiting Armenia if the ‘the systematic detentions of Russian citizens in Armenia at the request of third countries’ continues, Russian Senate chair Valentina Matvienko said in a conversation with newly appointed Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Ruben Rubinyan on Thursday. While Matvienko did not mention any specific incidents by name, she appeared to be referring to a recent case in which a Russian citizen was mistakenly arrested in Armenia after a request from the US.

The warning came as Armenia’s relations with Russia have been in the midst of a prolonged rocky spell. Under the leadership of recently re-elected Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia has increasingly sought closer ties with the West, drawing rebukes and various forms of pushback from Russia. At the same time, Armenia has maintained it wants a multi-vector foreign policy that would allow the longstanding friendly ties with Russia to remain in place.

Matvienko’s warning was not mentioned in the official Armenian readout of the call, which instead focused on discussions of the ‘importance of continuity of parliamentary dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest’.

Rubinyan also referenced more sensitive issues, urging Russia to address what he called the ‘unjustified’ restrictions the Kremlin has placed on the import of Armenian goods.

In the leadup to the June parliamentary elections, Russia began restricting the import of a variety of Armenian goods, claiming health risks and other associated problems. The measures, which have continued since the election, have been widely seen as politically motivated and a sign of Russia’s displeasure with Pashinyan and Armenia’s geopolitical orientation.

Russian media coverage of the talks, however, did not cover those issues, instead focusing on Matvienko’s warning, apparently referencing a July case in which a Russian national was arrested in Armenia after the US mistakenly identified him as a hacker.

Although not connected to a third-party request, another arrest of a Russian national in Armenia drew considerable attention, both in Armenia and abroad.

In late July, Russian blogger Nadezhda Pirozhkova was charged with hate speech after she shared a video complaining about how she was splashed unwillingly during Armenia’s Vardavar water festival while calling the festival itself ‘aggressive’ and referring to Armenians as being ‘rat-like’.

Pirozhkova has been placed under house arrest pending the results of the investigation, and if convicted, faces from one to four years in prison.

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Two-faced Pashinyan: Referendum in Armenia’s choice between the EAEU and The E

Boris Nahapetian
Eurasia Daily
Aug 7, 2026
Today
12:40

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, speaking at an expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan, revealed to his colleagues why the referendum on the choice between the EAEU and The EU is impossible.

“We understand that simultaneous membership in the EAEU and The EU is impossible, but the very fact of the adoption of the law on the beginning of accession to the EU means that Armenia has the opportunity to become a member of the European Union. When Yerevan is ready for EU membership in the future, this also does not mean that our country will automatically become an EU member. This still requires the consent of the members EU and Armenian citizens. On the other hand, it is impossible to bring this issue to the decision of the citizens of Armenia without preliminary institutional work, and even after that it will be necessary to apply to the EU with an official application for EU membership. And then it will be necessary to obtain the status of a candidate for EU membership,” Pashinyan said, quoted by Sputnik Armenia.

He noted that in the current relations between Armenia and The European Union does not have any economic, legal or political obligations that contradict the status of relations within the EAEU. At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized that strengthening cooperation with other EAEU members remains a foreign policy and economic priority for Armenia.

Pashinyan thanked his colleagues in the Eurasian Union for recognizing the legitimate right of Armenia — however, like any other EAEU country — to develop relations with various partners and create trade and economic alternatives for his country. Moreover, the Armenian Prime Minister added, such an approach is useful for the EAEU, since the existence of possible alternatives is a factor that will contribute to the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EAEU.

As EADaily reported, on May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a press conference that Yerevan should decide as soon as possible on the issue of participation in the The EU or the EAEU, allowing the possibility of an “intelligent divorce.” According to him, it would be possible to hold a referendum on this issue.

More details: https://eadaily.com/en/news/2026/08/07/two-faced-pashinyan-referendum-in-armenias-choice-between-the-eaeu-and-the-eu-is-impossible

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Sisian to host fifth Armenian-Iranian “Navasard” cultural and culinary festiv

Karapet Navasardian
Read the article in: فارسی, Armenian, Russian:

For two days, on August 10 and 11, the town of Sisian in Armenia’s Syunik Province will transform into a hub celebrating Armenian-Iranian cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and friendship. The town will host the fifth annual “Navasard” Armenian-Iranian Cultural and Culinary Festival, bringing together traditions, flavors, arts, and cultural experiences from both countries.

At a press conference, President of the Armenian Tourism Federation Mekhak Apresyan said that, as in previous years, this year’s festival will also feature a diverse program.

He said that feedback from visitors prompted organizers to hold the festival over two days.

 “This is a very important decision not only for visitors and participants but also for the community. A significant number of tourists attending the festival will stay in Sisian, which will provide a serious economic boost,” Apresyan said.

He noted that hotels and guesthouses in Sisian are in high demand during this period. The festival’s experience also shows that the hospitality sector expands every year both in Sisian and in neighboring communities.

One of the major events expected as part of the festival is the “Peace Cup” international culinary competition, during which chefs from Armenia, Iran, and other countries will compete in culinary skills. The competition will be held in several stages, and participating chefs will be tasked with preparing dishes featuring lamb and seafood. A professional jury will select the best participants.

Sedrak Mamulyan, President of the Armenian Cookery Traditions Development and Protection NGO, said that their goal is to position Armenia as a destination for hosting international culinary competitions.

“The ‘Navasard’ Festival became the foundation for creating the ‘Peace Cup’ international competition. We are taking our first steps, and this year, in addition to chefs from Armenia and Iran, we expect participation from Bulgaria and Russia. This platform will give chefs from around the world the opportunity to compete, communicate, and exchange experiences. In this context, significant opportunities are also opening up for promoting Sisian internationally,” Mamulyan said.

This year, Iran is expanding its participation and will present its rich cuisine, artworks, and handicrafts in more than 40 pavilions. Iran’s Deputy Head of Mission to Armenia, Bahram Taheri, noted that the peoples of the two countries share a rich history, culture, and culinary heritage, and that presenting these traditions together from different perspectives is a valuable opportunity to discover their similarities and commonalities.

“We are participating in this festival with great enthusiasm, and a fairly large delegation will arrive. I am confident that the ‘Navasard’ Festival serves as a cultural bridge between the peoples of the two countries. We also aim to host the festival in Iran in the coming years,” Taheri said.

Another important event within the framework of the festival will be the signing of a memorandum of understanding, through which Sisian in Armenia and Lahijan in Iran will become sister cities.

“Before signing such a document, significant research is carried out. It became clear that Sisian and Lahijan have many similarities — their history, architecture, agricultural products, tourism significance, culinary traditions, and more. As you can see, there is great potential for cooperation, and prospects are opening for joint work in other fields as well,” he said.

The festival will also feature a diverse concert program. Organizers are providing free transportation from Yerevan to Sisian. Those wishing to use this service must register in advance. Additional information is available on the Armenian Tourism Federation’s Facebook page.

Read the article in: فارسی, Armenian, Russian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Yerevan Lake maintained through regular cleanups as city plans further improve

Kalashian Nyrie
Yerevan14:55, 7 August 2026
Read the article in: Armenian:

City Hall has carried out another round of cleaning work at Yerevan Lake.

City officials said that the cleaning of shoreline areas is carried out every 15 days and that the current condition of the water basin is considered “satisfactory.”

Armen Begoyan, Director of the “Greening and Environmental Protection” municipal non-commercial organization, said that the garbage accumulations shown in videos recently circulated online refer to the section of Yerevan Lake where the Hrazdan River flows into the lake.

He said that the main surface of the lake is currently clean and its condition is satisfactory, especially considering that issues related to water levels and temperatures become more pronounced in August.

“We have managed to maintain the lake in the best possible condition during the hottest period of the year, which is also important for Yerevan, as it serves as a large water surface that helps absorb dust,” Begoyan said.

Begoyan emphasized that a significant portion of the waste accumulated along the shoreline consists of garbage thrown into the river by residents, which reaches the lake through the Hrazdan River. He urged citizens not to pollute the river and the lake, adding that the municipality will take administrative measures in cases of violations by businesses.

The municipal organization’s director noted that several years ago, during the same period in summer, Yerevan Lake would turn into a swamp-like area, whereas today it has become a recreational site visited by fishermen and residents. He added that future municipal plans include improving the condition of the lake’s other shore as well.

Addressing the lake’s greenish tint, Begoyan explained that it is caused by low water flow and high temperatures. According to him, in recent weeks, less water has entered Yerevan Lake due to water distribution for irrigation purposes, reducing water circulation and causing algae to form in shoreline areas.

“This is a temporary phenomenon. When water flow increases and the weather becomes relatively cooler, natural water circulation will be restored and the greenish layer will disappear,” he said.

City Hall plans to purchase specialized equipment that will allow mechanical cleaning of the lake’s surface and more efficiently remove accumulated waste.

He also noted that the Ministry of Health has not issued any warnings this year regarding the condition of Yerevan Lake’s water. According to Begoyan, relevant authorities regularly take water samples, and there is currently no information indicating a threat to aquatic life.

Sirarpi Haykazyan, Head of the Environmental Department of Yerevan City Hall, said that a program financed by the Asian Development Bank is being implemented to improve the Hrazdan Gorge, the Hrazdan River, and the areas surrounding Yerevan Lake, as well as to create a recreational zone.

She said that at this stage, studies are being conducted on sediment at the bottom of Yerevan Lake, algae, water quality, and the seismic stability of the dam.

The official said that wastewater from approximately 1,500 addresses is currently discharged into the Hrazdan River, which has a major impact on water quality. According to her, before creating a recreational zone, the issue of water treatment must be addressed as a priority.

For this purpose, a program to construct treatment facilities is planned to begin next year. According to preliminary estimates, around 14 treatment plants will need to be built along the Hrazdan River.

The head of the Environmental Department also said that within the next one or two months, with funding from the Asian Development Bank, Yerevan City Hall will acquire specialized equipment that will allow mechanical cleaning of the water surface and simultaneous water sampling to identify the main pollutants.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenian Premier League matches to air on Free News TV under new FFA partnersh

Alex Jidarian
Sports15:26, 7 August 2026
Read the article in: Armenian:

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) and Free News TV have entered into a new partnership that will bring Armenian Premier League matches to viewers through Free News’ broadcast platform, with coverage available across Yerevan. 

“At the same time, we would like to inform you that negotiations are ongoing to also broadcast Armenian Premier League matches on a television channel with nationwide coverage,” the FFA said in a press release.

The Football Federation of Armenia added that it continues its efforts to expand broadcasting opportunities for the Armenian Premier League and ensure wider access to the championship.

Read the article in: Armenian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Armenian NSS Border Guard delegation visits Lithuania

Emil Lazarian
Armenia16:25, 7 August 2026
Read the article in: فارسیArmenian:

A delegation of the Border Guard Troops of Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS), headed by Commander Colonel Garik Muradyan, paid a visit to the Republic of Lithuania from August 3 to 7, 2026.

The visit was carried out within the framework of the European Union’s “Support to the Visa Liberalization Dialogue with Armenia in the Areas of Border Management, Document Security and Law Enforcement Reforms” project, according to a press release from the NSS.

During the visit, the delegation of the NSS Border Guard Troops held a meeting with General Rustamas Liubajevas, Commander of the State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. The meeting addressed issues related to cooperation between the border guard agencies of the two countries. The Lithuanian State Border Guard Service presented its structure, main tasks and functions, as well as the border situation and the specific features of service organization.

As part of the visit, the delegation visited the Vilnius Border Guard District of the State Border Guard Service, border crossing points, the border checkpoint at Vilnius Airport, as well as the State Border Guard Service School and Aviation Unit. During these visits, the delegation was briefed on the border guard training system, the organization of border control, the activities of aviation units, as well as the technical means and modern solutions used in protecting the state border.

During the meetings and visits, the sides discussed issues related to border security, the organization of border control, professional training of personnel, the development of technical capabilities of border guard units, and the expansion of bilateral cooperation. The visit was assessed as effective and purposeful, providing a foundation for the exchange of experience and the further development of bilateral cooperation.

The parties reaffirmed their readiness to continue and further develop cooperation between the Border Guard Troops of the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia and the State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania in areas of mutual interest.

Read the article in: فارسیArmenian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 07-08-

Yeghisabet Arthur
Economy17:47, 7 August 2026
Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 7 August, USD exchange rate down by 0.08 drams to 366.17 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.61 drams to 422.12 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0364 drams to 4.4525 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.98 drams to 492.1 drams.

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

Gold price up by 710 drams to 50244 drams.

Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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