Armenian Government Orders Nation’s Biggest Casino to Shut Down

Greg Madatian
Casino Beats

June 24, 2026
Tim AlperiGaming Journalist
UPDATEDJune 24, 2026

The Armenian government has revoked the operating permit of the nation’s largest casino as a political spat between the ruling party and opposition factions deepens.

Armenia’s Ministry of Economy revoked the Shangri La Casino license this week, claiming that a March 2026 on-site inspection had revealed irregularities.

The ministry spoke of a series of financial “discrepancies.” Inspectors said they discovered that the Shangri La operator Onira Club’s financial declarations did not match the “actual readings” of the casino’s slot machine meters.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said Onira Club’s financial data was full of distortions and falsified information.

Armenian Casino: State Investigators ‘Found Financial Irregularities’

Papoyan said the casino operator has two months to appeal the ruling. He added that the casino must halt operations immediately “to protect public interests, namely the interests of consumers.”

The Shangri La, near Yerevan, first gained a license on January 1, 2014. The government revoked its permit in 2020, claiming the casino had failed to pay all of its operating fees. The government later reversed its decision.

Onira Club’s owner is the businessman and opposition political leader Gagik Tsarukyan, the head of the Prosperous Armenia Party.

Political Dispute Intensifies

Tsarukyan, a cement tycoon, has found himself at loggerheads with the government in recent weeks.

In the lead-up to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s recent general election victory, Pashinyan took repeated aim at Tsarukyan.

The Prime Minister said he intended to nationalize Ararat Cement, Tsarukyan’s biggest company.

The government has stepped up tax audits and other probes as part of a purge. Pashinyan’s pro-EU government said it had evidence that several former lawmakers had committed espionage on behalf of the Russian government.

Tsarukyan also faces prison time for charges of vote-buying, although a court recently acquitted him of similar charges dating back to the 2017 general elections.

Following the election, Tsarukyan “no longer enjoys immunity as a candidate, meaning he could be arrested at any time,” the media outlet Yerkramas reported.

The development comes as the government continues to tighten control over the land-based and online casino sectors.

Lawmakers last year rolled out a new 10% turnover tax on all casinos, lottery operators, and sportsbook firms.

Earlier this month, they approved a new measure that will force online operators to add a kill switch mechanism to their user interfaces.

If users flip this virtual button, they will automatically be blocked from placing bets on any online platform, whether domestic or overseas, for 5 years.

Foreign firms that fail to incorporate the kill switch will face blocking orders.

The new law also permanently restricts certain groups from gambling online. These include welfare recipients and residents involved in bankruptcy-related court cases.

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The Armenia bloc’s motion was not examined; Seda Safaryan will participate in

Talar Tumanian
Aysor, Armenia

June 24, 2026

The Constitutional Court did not examine the issue concerning Judge Seda Safaryan, Aysor.am was informed by the Constitutional Court’s Department of External Relations.

“The Armenia bloc’s motion regarding Seda Safaryan was not subject to examination, as none of the Constitutional Court judges raised the issue,” the Constitutional Court stated.

According to Article 16, Part 3 of the Law on the Constitutional Court, the issue of a Constitutional Court judge’s inability to participate in the examination of a case may be raised by any Constitutional Court judge. Only in such a case is the matter examined. This procedure was applied in the cases of Judges Vladimir Vardanyan and Artak Zeynalyan.

Thus, Safaryan will participate in the hearing on the challenge to the election results, which is scheduled for Friday.

It should be noted that Constitutional Court judges Artak Zeynalyan and Vladimir Vardanyan will not participate in the examination of the election dispute. According to the Constitutional Court, their participation is impossible due to a biased attitude toward the parties involved in the proceedings.

Vladimir Vardanyan was appointed to the Constitutional Court from the Civil Contract faction, while Artak Zeynalyan, prior to his appointment as a judge, was a member of Aram Sargsyan’s Republic party.

It should also be noted that the cases filed by the seven political forces challenging the results of the parliamentary elections have been consolidated and will be examined in a single proceeding.

The hearing will take place on June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Constitutional Court Judge Edgar Shatiryan has been appointed rapporteur in the case, and the consolidated proceedings will be conducted through an oral hearing.

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PM Modi congratulates Armenian PM on electoral win, thanks him for evacuation

Arbi Tashjian
India’s News

June 24, 2026

PM Modi congratulates Armenian PM on electoral win, thanks him for evacuation of Indians stranded in Iran

ANI
25 Jun 2026, 01:27 GMT+

New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan.

PM Modi congratulated Pashinyan on his party’s victory in the recently held Parliamentary elections in Armenia.

In a post on X, he said, ‘Earlier today, I was delighted to receive a phone call from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Congratulated him and his party on their victory in the recently held Parliamentary elections in Armenia. Thanked him for facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Iran following the recent developments in West Asia. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthen our warm and multifaceted partnership across key sectors, including trade, defence, technology and people-to-people ties. We look forward to working closely together to take India-Armenia relations to new heights.’

Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, in a statement, said that PM Modi once again congratulated Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections in Armenia and wished him success in his future activities.

Pashinyan thanked him for the congratulations and, in turn, congratulated PM Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history, wishing him new success for the welfare and development of India, the statement said.

The interlocutors emphasized the importance of the continuous development of friendly relations between Armenia and India and noted with satisfaction the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation. The intensification of political dialogue was emphasized, as well as the expansion of cooperation in the economy, high technologies, education, culture and other areas of mutual interest, as per the statement.

The Prime Ministers touched upon the issues of cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, discussed steps aimed at further deepening relations in a number of areas of the Armenia-India agenda.

The parties also attached importance to the organization of high-level mutual visits in order to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries and push launch new initiatives.

Earlier on April 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that 2,361 individuals have been successfully repatriated to India since the commencement of the conflict in West Asia.

‘Since the outbreak of the conflict, we have helped bring 2,361 Indian citizens safely from Iran to India. Of these, 2,060 came via Armenia and 301 via Azerbaijan. This 2,361 includes 1,041 Indian students, as well as three foreigners–one from Bangladesh, one from Sri Lanka, and one from Guyana. We have also helped three of them. I had told you before that nearly 7,500 Indian nationals were present in Iran at that time,’ MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated. (ANI)

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Azerbaijan is putting forward a new precondition to the Armenian authorities,

Arpi Talalian
Aysor, Armenia

June 24, 2026

Azerbaijan is putting forward a new precondition to the Armenian authorities, namely the so-called “right of return” issue, according to Marianna Ghahramanyan, spokesperson for the Strong Armenia party.

“The so-called ‘President of the Western Azerbaijan Community’ and member of the Milli Majlis, Aziz Alakbarli, stated today that the so-called ‘issue of the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands’ should become part of the discussions within the framework of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as without the restoration of this right, it will be difficult to speak of a strong and lasting peace in the region.’

This statement once again demonstrates Baku’s real objectives and further proves that the current Armenian government is not being sincere with the Armenian people and is concealing the reality,” she said.

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The Untold Story of Dr. Mabel E. Elliott, Humanitarian Healer to Greece, Armen

Jagharian Tania
Greek Reporter

June 24, 2026
The Untold Story of Dr. Mabel E. Elliott, Humanitarian Healer to Greece, Armenia

Florida doctor Mabel E. Elliott embarked on a remarkable humanitarian odyssey across war-torn Greece, Turkey, and Armenia starting in 1919. She established hospitals for Armenian orphans, treated wounded soldiers during the Greco-Turkish War, and spearheaded a vital quarantine station on the Greek island of Makronisos that prevented catastrophic disease epidemics. Her heroic efforts earned her the distinction of becoming the first woman to receive the Greek War Cross.

Historian Ginger L. Pedersen conducted extensive archival research to write Unbreakable Healer, a biography of the West Palm Beach physician.

By Ginger L. Pedersen

In 2018, I read a post on social media about the heroic actions of a Florida doctor, Dr. Mabel E. Elliott, who had lived in my hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida. I was puzzled because I had never heard of her, and her work wasn’t mentioned in the area’s history.

Curious, I began reviewing newspaper articles and books about her work. My research journey that took me across the United States, reviewing archives from Drexel University and even meeting with Dr. Elliott’s great-niece to see the more than century-old letters Dr. Elliott had sent home. The culmination of my research was the 2025 biography book, Unbreakable Healer: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Mabel E. Elliott (Palmango Press).

Elliot begins humanitarian odyssey to the Near East

In 1919, Dr. Elliott’s journey to the Near East began as she boarded the Leviathan ship in Hoboken, New Jersey. She was one of the 250 men and women who volunteered for service through Near East Relief, the humanitarian organization that spearheaded relief efforts in Turkey, Armenia, and Greece. In 1904, she had graduated medical school with her older sister, so two of the fourteen Elliott children became MDs.

Her first duty station took her to the mountains of Marash (today Kahramanmaraş), where she set up hospitals for Armenian orphans and refugees. In 1920, fighting broke out as the Turks set out to retake the ancient city. Fearing for her staff, Dr. Elliott led them to safety across the Taurus Mountains, through a blizzard, with thousands of Armenians trailing along. Many of the refugees froze in the harrowing conditions.

After a brief return to the United States, Dr. Elliott was back on a ship headed for Constantinople (Istanbul) by fall 1920. She set up a hospital for refugees in Izmir on the Sea of Marmara. The Greco-Turkish War was raging, creeping ever closer. Turkish soldiers overran Izmir, and Dr. Elliott treated wounded Greek and Turkish soldiers. She was the only doctor left after most of the city’s population had fled on ships.

After resecuring the hospital, Dr. Elliott headed to Armenia to lead medical efforts for the 20,000 Armenian orphans that Near East Relief cared for in former Russian barracks in Gyumri, Armenia. There, doctors and nurses treated the dreaded eye disease trachoma, which spread rapidly among the malnourished and sick children.

American doctor deals with humanitarian crisis after the burning of Smyrna

In 1922, Dr. Elliott was invited to speak at a medical conference in Switzerland and then planned to spend a few weeks in Italy before returning to Armenia. But the newspaper headlines blared that Smyrna (today Izmit) was in flames. She left Italy and within a few days was in Athens to lead the medical response to the crisis. Dr. Elliott assessed the tragic scene of thousands of Greek refugees crowding the quay at Smyrna, with thousands more coming from inland settlements to escape the Turks. She sailed from isle to isle, setting up clinics, hospitals, milk stations, and shelters for the refugees.

The Greek government was concerned that the refugees would bring diseases like smallpox and typhoid, unleashing epidemics among the Greek people. To ward off this potential crisis, Dr. Elliott set up a quarantine station on Makronisos, a rocky islet in the Aegean Sea. Once people were screened for illness, they were transported to other refugee facilities. Dr. Elliott’s work saved thousands of lives and prevented epidemics.

First woman to receive the Greek War Cross

Eliot was the first woman ever decorated with the Greek War Cross. Credit: Elliot Collection

In appreciation for her efforts, the Greek government awarded Dr. Elliott the Greek War Cross, the first woman ever so decorated. She was also awarded the Gold and Silver Cross of St. George for her work in setting up hospitals in Greece and treating wounded Greek soldiers.

In 1923, she began writing a memoir about her work in the Near East. During my research, I uncovered that Dr. Elliott had collaborated with Rose Wilder Lane (daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder of Little House on the Prairie fame) on her memoir. Two of Dr. Elliott’s primary sources have been republished: her memoir, Children of Ararat, and her wartime journal, Siege Diary of the Battle of Marash.

Dr. Elliott returned to America and toured the United States, speaking of her experiences in the Near East. In 1925, she continued her service overseas, this time in Japan, where she helped with relief efforts and rebuilding following the Great Kanto earthquake in Tokyo. She was chief of pediatrics at St. Lukes International Medical Center until 1941, when war clouds gathered. She arrived back in West Palm Beach, Florida, mere weeks before Pearl Harbor.

Dr. Elliott spent her remaining years in semi-retirement, still practicing medicine during the summer in a retirement community in northern Florida. She passed away at the age of 87 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach. She was Florida’s Good Samaritan in her service to humanity across the Near and Far East.

About the Author: Ginger L. Pedersen is a writer and historian based in West Palm Beach, Florida and the author of Unbreakable Healer: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Mabel E. Elliott.

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INTERVIEW: A Digital Pint with… Hike Chahinian, on Raising a Biracial Baby as

Badalian Vardan
Binge Fringe

June 24, 2026
 Shay Mace
June 24, 2026

Content Warning: Discussion of Genocide & Serious Illness

Hike, the grandson of Armenian genocide survivors, was expected to marry a girl from his tribe. Instead, he met his dream man and adopted a bouncing biracial baby – he’s put his story together into his upcoming Edinburgh Festival Fringe show Best. Dad. NEVER., following his journey from coming of age, to becoming a career counsellor, to a queer parent, and latterly, creating a one person show. We caught up with Hike for a pixelated pint to unpack his story, and find out what audiences can expect this August.

You can catch Best. Dad. NEVER. at Just The Cask Room at Just The Tonic at The Mash House on August 6th – 30th (not the 18th) from 13:05 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.

Shay: Hi Hike! Your upcoming EdFringe show follows your story of marrying your dream man and adopting a ‘bouncing biracial baby’ – tell us all about creating autobiographical theatre, and why you decided to bring this story to the stage. 

Hike: I’m bringing to the stage a story that I haven’t heard before. It’s about striving to raise a self-confident Black biracial daughter yet coming up against my scars as a gay Armenian-American. I’d done theatre as a teenager, but left it to become something more practical: a career counsellor. Loving the raw vulnerability of solo shows, I’d dreamed of “one day” following in the footsteps of monologists like Jerrod Carmichael and Alex Edelman. But when does that day arrive?

Short answer: after a delicious dish of sushi brought on unrelenting food poisoning, ER doctors discovered a mass in my brain. The tumor was benign, thank heavens, yet I needed an operation to extract it from my skull. I wouldn’t say brain surgery was my first choice for how I’d finally get off my bum and create a one person show. But it did the trick, and I’m grateful. 

Shay: How has the creative process been of putting the show together? Give us an idea of the journey you’ve been on with it so far. 

Hike: I’ve been a nervous wreck putting Best. Dad. NEVER. together. The show’s been evolving since the first draft, and “killing my darlings”—as Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch called deleting your favorite lines that don’t serve the piece—has been torture. But there are only so many jokes that can fit into 60 minutes. My show was inspired by personal essays I published in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Oprah Magazine, and hearing early audiences refer to it as a TED talk felt like a splash of cold water on my face. I’m eager to bring to Edinburgh the current version with its balance of humor and pathos. 

Shay: What will be the first thing the audience sees, feels, and hears as they enter the space? 

Hike: There’s a bar near the entrance, so the audience will definitely feel that the party’s on. They’ll hear a handful of pop songs–both the hits and deep cuts of my favorite artists–related to my show’s themes. And they’ll likely see a mysterious bare stage. I’m keeping the details of my entrance under wraps. 

Shay: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything? 

Hike: Oh so much. A window into queer parenting today. A gruesome Armenian history lesson. And still a lingering tickle in their funny bones. I should say, parenting is really a point of departure for me to reveal the recesses of the human heart. I hope by getting a glimpse into one dad’s whole, flawed, self, the audience will come to see themselves more easily in others. And come away with more love. 

Shay: What journey has the show been on to find itself at EdFringe 2026? 

Hike: It’s been a long time coming! In a way, I’ve been working on Best. Dad. NEVER. my whole life. The run up to EdFringe has been kind of rough. Most of my friends came to Best. Dad. NEVER.’s world premiere at Los Angeles’s Solofest and at the Hollywood Fringe last summer. I’ve since adapted the script to appeal more to British folks. But I don’t know anyone in Edinburgh. Playing to a house of strangers will be harrowing. And I can’t wait. 

Shay: With EdFringe now just around the corner, what are you most excited for? 

Hike: I’m eager to meet and engage with theatre-goers, especially since I hear the world’s biggest performing arts festival attracts the best audiences. Visiting Edinburgh for the first time, I’m beyond excited to take in the city’s historic sites, delicious eats–and drinks—and, oh, the odd show, or ten. As many as I can possibly see. 

Shay: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why? 

Hike: A nice pint of Guiness. A dad drink, of course. Like Best. Dad. NEVER. it’s frothy, complex in flavor, has a dark center, yet is light on top. It contains considerable micronutrients, and is utterly delicious. Cheers!

You can catch Best. Dad. NEVER. at Just The Cask Room at Just The Tonic at The Mash House on August 6th – 30th (not the 18th) from 13:05 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.


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Armenia: Yerevan airport, a bridge to Europe

Emil Lazarian

June 24, 2026

In recent years, Zvartnots Airport, just a few kilometers from Yerevan, has become one of the main hubs in the South Caucasus thanks to its strategic location, but also to policies that adapt to market trends. For many Armenians, the airport has opened a window on the world

24/06/2026, Armine Avetisyan Yerevan

Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport © Marius Karp/Shutterstock

The departure hall at Zvartnots International Airport is buzzing with life from morning till night. Rome, Milan, Vienna, Larnaca, Dortmund, Paris, Frankfurt, and other European destinations appear on the flight board. Until a few years ago, flying to Europe was an expensive luxury for many Armenians. Today, the terminals of Zvartnots can barely accommodate the constant flow of passengers.

The breakthrough in Armenia’s air travel sector in recent years – driven by the entry of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and the emergence of new local airlines – has completely reshaped the region’s tourism map. Yerevan has become a real air hub not only for citizens of Armenis, but also for thousands of tourists from Russia, Georgia and the Middle East traveling to Europe.

A multitude of different languages resonates in the crowded airport. Behind the passengers queuing at check-in are not only travel plans, but complex life situations, family reunions and the pursuit of new opportunities.

A window on the world

Igor, 34, is from Saint Petersburg. He sits in one of the departure hall cafes, laptop in hand, next to a suitcase covered in stickers from various airports. He is a software engineer and for the past two years has been planning his travels exclusively through Yerevan.

“I am heading to Milan to spend my vacation and visit friends. This is already my third flight via Yerevan in the last two years. There are no direct flights from Russia to Europe, and flying through Istanbul or Dubai is terribly expensive now. Sometimes a one-way ticket exceeds 1,000 dollars”, explains Igor.

“For me, Yerevan is a real lifesaver. I come here, spend two days in the city, enjoy Armenian cuisine, and meet my colleagues who have moved here. This time, I bought a ticket to Italy for just 50 euros. Even if I factor in the cost of the hotel and food in Yerevan, it remains the most affordable, calm and convenient route. Armenia has become a unique cultural and transport bridge for us”.

Igor notes that many of his friends also use this route, and for most of them, Zvartnots has long been a familiar and welcoming place.

The advantages of Zvartnots airport

Nino, 28, works for one of the leading marketing companies in Tbilisi. She stands in line with a light backpack and headphones, chatting animatedly on her phone.

“Many are surprised to discover the reasons why Georgian citizens decide to take flights from Yerevan. After all, we have Kutaisi where a large number of low-cost airlines operate”, says Nino. “But let us do the math: reaching Kutaisi from Tbilisi by car or train takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, and the trip is exhausting. Getting from Tbilisi to Yerevan by taxi or minibus takes almost the same amount of time”.

“Furthermore, the flight time and days to many European cities – like Rome or Vienna – from Yerean are sometimes much more convenient, and the ticket prices are lower. This time, I am going to Vienna for a Friday-to-Sunday training. My round-trip ticket cost only 110 euros. I also really appreciate the quality of service at Zvartnots. It is a very modern, clean and compact airport where it is very easy to find your way around”.

The discovery of the year

German spouses Anna and Markus spend a long time browsing the souvenir shop in the departure hall. They hold boxes of Armenian wine and dried fruits. They have just completed their two-week adventure vacation in Armenia.

“We spent two weeks hiking in this wonderful country. We discovered Tatev, Dilijan, and trekked through the mountains. We were surprised to discover how easy and cheap it was reach Armenia from Germany. We accidentally saw an airline advertisement and bought round-trip tickets for two for just 240 euros”, explains the couple.

“It is unbelievable. A few years ago, you had to pay at least 500–600 euros to come to Armenia. This kind of affordability allows Armenia to become a popular tourist destination for Europeans looking for new, undiscovered cultures. We are taking home not only delicious Armenian wine but also unforgettable impressions. We will definitely come back”.

Italy: the most in demand destination

Within this enormous flow of passengers, Italy holds a special place, having become one of the most sought-after and popular destinations. This is largely due to the fact that the low-cost airline Wizz Air alone operates flights from Yerevan to five different destinations in Italy.

Many people fly to Italy not only to enjoy the country, but for transit. They stay in Italian cities for a day or two, sightsee and then head to another European state, as traveling on such a combined route turns out to be much more affordable.

“Italy is a connecting point for me because traveling this way is incomparably cheaper”, says Lilit, waiting in line to check in for a flight to Bari. For Lilit, it has now become a habit to travel from Yerevan to Italy a couple of times a year.

“I love to travel, but taking a direct flight to many European countries is beyond my budget. So I fly to Italy, stay for one or two days, enjoy the Italian atmosphere, delicious food and coffee, and then reach my final destination country on cheap domestic flights or by train. This way I save money and visit two different countries in one trip”.

How the market has changed

The turning point in the Armenian air transport sector came with the government’s decision to review its policies, abolishing the so-called “air tax” for new destinations and opening the doors to the low-cost giant Wizz Air. At the same time, new local airlines, such as FlyOne Armenia, appeared on the market, creating domestic competition.

According to data from the Civil Aviation Committee of the Republic of Armenia, in 2025 Zvartnots Airport served 5,615,789 passengers, setting a record for the airport and surpassing the 2023 figure of 5,330,308. February was the quietest month, while August was the busiest: in that monht Zvartnots recorded an unprecedented passenger flow of 667,844 people.

This year, new flights to Europe were introduced, resulting in a new influx of passengers. It.is already clear that the 2026 figures will exceed those of 2025.

Affordable air connectivity is not just about travel. It is a major capital injection for the Armenian economy. According to experts, it boosts the hotel sector, fosters the growth of small and medium-sized businesses – such as souvenir producers – and guarantees local travel agencies a steady stream of income.

As evening falls over Yerevan, another plane takes off from the illuminated runway of Zvartnots, heading for Western Europe.

Today, tiny Armenia is proving that, with the right transportation policy and the ability to make the most of the geographical position, it is possible to become a regional hub. The record 5.6 million passengers is just a page in history. New destinations and adventures loom on the horizon. Europe is no longer far away. Today it can be reached in just a few hours and for little money thanks to the great air bridge that rises every day in the skies above Yerevan.


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Pashinyan’s victory and Armenia’s geopolitical choice

Jane Topchian
eurasianet

June 23, 2026

A partner post from the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst.

Irakli Laitadze Jun 23, 2026

On June 7, Armenia held general elections with significant implications for both the country and the South Caucasus. Incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party won 49.81 percent of the vote. Although falling short of a majority, the result still enables Pashinyan to form and lead the new government. The victory of Civil Contract signifies a rupture with Russia’s sphere of influence and the institutionalization of a pro-Western course. The collapse of the pro-Russian opposition, despite unprecedented pressure from Moscow, indicates that Armenian citizens made a strategic choice in favor of genuine sovereignty and European integration. This choice is likely to produce long-term changes not only in Armenia but also in the security architecture of the South Caucasus.

BACKGROUND:

Armenia approached the June 7 elections amid intense geopolitical turbulence. The country stood at a crossroads between two incompatible trajectories: deeper Euro-Atlantic integration or a return to Russia’s sphere of influence. Understanding this choice requires examining developments in the recent past.

Following its defeat in the 2020 Karabakh War, Armenia lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. The country was confronted with a harsh reality: Russia, its ally and partner within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), failed to defend Armenia during the conflict. As a result, Pashinyan’s government intensified the already ongoing process of deepening ties with the EU and the United States In March 2026, the Armenian parliament adopted a bill initiating the process of accession to the EU. Consequently, the elections effectively became a referendum on Armenia’s foreign policy orientation and security strategy.

Russia responded with increased pressure. The election campaign was effectively transformed into an open confrontation between Moscow and Yerevan. Russian officials publicly warned that continued pursuit of a pro-Western course could expose Armenia to a scenario similar to that experienced by Ukraine.

The regional dimension is equally important. The South Caucasus is a region where the interests of Russia, Turkey, Iran, the U.S., the EU, and increasingly China intersect. Armenia has traditionally been a stronghold of Russian influence in the region: Russian forces are stationed at the 102nd Military Base in Gyumri, an aviation component is based at Erebuni Air Base, and Armenia remains a member of the CSTO. Yerevan’s drift away from Moscow represents more than the loss of an ally; it is a strategic setback that could reshape the regional balance of power. This explains why the stakes were far higher than those of a regular parliamentary election.

IMPLICATIONS:

Russia’s attempt to influence the election outcome was not only unsuccessful but also counterproductive. In addition to extensive use of bots, disinformation, and fake news, reports suggest that Moscow was covertly preparing operations aimed at preventing Pashinyan’s re-election, allegedly including scenarios involving his physical elimination.

Russian economic pressure was systematic and sustained. Moscow banned imports of Armenian Jermuk mineral water, halted sales of Armenian brandy and wine, and reduced imports of meat and fish products. On the eve of the elections, Russia sent an official letter signaling its intention to suspend exports of gas, oil, and diamonds. Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia’s federal veterinary and phytosanitary agency, also banned imports of Armenian tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and dried fruits. To influence the vote, plans were reportedly discussed to organize travel to Armenia for around 100,000 Russia-based Armenians.

The pro-Russian camp was represented by two key figures: Samvel Karapetyan and Ruben Vardanyan. Both embodied an alternative to Armenia’s Western-oriented course. Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire and leader of the Strong Armenia electoral bloc, lived in Moscow until last year and, in addition to Armenian citizenship, held Russian and Cypriot citizenship. He allegedly maintains links with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Since June 2025, Karapetyan has been under house arrest on charges of encouraging the seizure of state institutions. Moscow openly demanded his release and participation in the parliamentary elections, turning the issue into a political instrument of pressure on Yerevan.

Another key figure was Ruben Vardanyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire who left Moscow to become State Minister of the self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. Arrested by Azerbaijani authorities while leaving Nagorno-Karabakh through the Lachin Corridor, he is currently serving a prison sentence in Azerbaijan (Meduza). Vardanyan became both a symbol of the lost Armenian Karabakh and a reminder of the failure of the pro-Russian course, which ultimately provided Armenia with neither security nor genuine independence.

The election results reflected the Armenian public’s increasingly negative attitude toward Russia. Samvel Karapetyan’s Strong Armenia alliance received 23.29 percent of the vote, while the Armenia bloc, led by former President Robert Kocharyan, a veteran of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War and a prominent advocate of close ties with Moscow, won 9.93 percent. Combined, the main pro-Russian forces secured only about two-thirds of the support received by Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party.

Western countries, particularly the U.S., expressed unusually strong support for Nikol Pashinyan. On May 27, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Pashinyan on Truth Social. The previous day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan signed several bilateral cooperation agreements, including a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Charter. On June 4, following a telephone conversation with Pashinyan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Brussels was preparing additional support measures for Armenia, including €50 million in financial assistance.

The 8th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC) was held in Yerevan on 4 May 2026, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The event served as a clear signal of Armenia’s emerging European orientation and identity. Almost simultaneously, Turkey partially lifted the trade restrictions on Armenia that had been in place since 1993. The easing of this economic embargo marks a significant step toward the normalization of Armenian–Turkish relations and has the potential to reshape the region’s economic architecture.

A stable, pro-Western Armenia would be better positioned to finalize a peace agreement with Azerbaijan and secure the full lifting of Turkey’s long-standing economic blockade. Under such circumstances, Armenia’s withdrawal from the CSTO could become a realistic prospect in the near future. This step would deprive Russia of the principal legal framework underpinning its military presence in Armenia, further accelerating the country’s geopolitical reorientation.

Armenia is expected to continue developing its relations with the EU while maintaining membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, as confirmed by Prime Minister Pashinyan. This reflects tactical pragmatism rather than an ideological compromise: Armenia remains dependent on Russian gas imports and on the large Armenian diaspora residing in Russia. Nevertheless, the country’s strategic orientation toward Europe appears to have been firmly established.

CONCLUSIONS:

The elections of June 7 may prove to be a point of no return in the history of post-Soviet Armenia. Despite political pressure, economic coercion, and extensive Russian involvement, Armenian voters endorsed a genuinely sovereign choice and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a pro-Western path of development.

Russia suffered a strategic defeat, as neither Karapetyan nor Kocharyan succeeded in challenging the pro-Western majority of Armenian voters. The Kremlin’s unprecedented pressure, including threats of a “Ukrainian scenario” and the use of economic coercion, failed to weaken Pashinyan and his supporters. Instead, these measures contributed to their further mobilization and strengthened Pashinyan’s image as a defender of Armenian sovereignty and statehood.

The electoral victory of Civil Contract and its parliamentary majority provide Armenia’s pro-European course with a clear democratic mandate to advance further along the path of European integration.

Armenia is entering a phase of profound transformation in its security architecture, moving from dependence on Russia toward a more diversified and multilateral security framework. This realignment is likely to reshape not only Armenian domestic and foreign policy but also the broader balance of power in the South Caucasus. For the first time in the post-Soviet era, Armenia, and, to a lesser extent, the wider region, is beginning to move beyond the logic of Russian dominance. The date of June 7, 2026, may be remembered as the day Armenia chose its own future.


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System of a Down – Background & Career of the Armenian-American Band

Garo Vardanian
AD HOC NEWS

June 24, 2026
24.06.2026 – 03:32:20 | ad-hoc-news.de

System of a Down remain one of the defining heavy rock acts of the 2000s. This profile looks at their origins, albums like Toxicity, and their impact on U.S. rock fans and the global metal scene.

By the AD HOC NEWS Music Desk » Album & Work – the editorial team covers albums, tours, charts and scene developments. Published: June 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: June 24, 2026 at 1:30 am

System of a Down brought a distinct mix of heavy metal, alternative rock and Armenian musical influences into U.S. mainstream rock in the late 1990s. The band became a staple of early-2000s rock radio through albums like Toxicity and Mezmerize, and their catalog still shapes heavy music playlists today.

From Los Angeles to global recognition

System of a Down formed in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, built around vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian and drummer John Dolmayan. Their shared Armenian heritage and political awareness quickly became central to their identity.

The band’s self-titled debut album System of a Down arrived in 1998, released via American Recordings and Columbia Records, and introduced their jagged riffs, sudden tempo shifts and Tankian’s wide vocal range to U.S. heavy music fans.

The breakthrough era with Toxicity

System of a Down reached a new level with their second album Toxicity, released in September 2001. The record combined aggressive guitar work with melodic passages and sharply political lyrics touching on war, media and environmental issues.

Toxicity debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, signaling the band’s arrival as a major U.S. rock act and placing tracks like “Chop Suey!” and “Toxicity” in heavy rotation across rock radio and MTV playlists.

Read more

All news and background on System of a Down

More reports, album features and scene coverage on System of a Down are available in the AD HOC NEWS archive for readers who want to dive deeper into their work.

More news on System of a Down

How the work sounds

System of a Down’s sound blends down-tuned metal riffing with sudden dynamic shifts, Middle Eastern scales and theatrical vocal delivery. Malakian’s guitar parts often alternate between staccato, punk-like bursts and thick, sustained chords, while Tankian moves from growls to soaring melodies within a single song.

Where the act stands

System of a Down currently has no announced live date and remains defined by its influential studio catalog rather than active touring.

System of a Down at a glance

  • Act: System of a Down
  • Genre: Alternative metal / hard rock
  • Origin: Los Angeles, United States
  • Active since: 1994
  • Lineup: Serj Tankian (vocals), Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass), John Dolmayan (drums)
  • Label: American Recordings / Columbia Records
  • Key works: System of a Down (1998), Toxicity (2001), Mezmerize (2005), Hypnotize (2005)
  • Current album/single: Hypnotize, released November 22, 2005
  • Charts / certifications: Toxicity No. 1 on Billboard 200, September 2001
  • Next live date: currently with no announced live date

Frequently asked questions about System of a Down

When did System of a Down release Toxicity?
Toxicity was released in early September 2001 through American Recordings and Columbia Records, marking the band’s commercial breakthrough in the United States.

Who are the members of System of a Down?
The band’s classic lineup consists of Serj Tankian on vocals, Daron Malakian on guitar and vocals, Shavo Odadjian on bass and John Dolmayan on drums, all of whom became known through their late-1990s and 2000s releases.

What genre is System of a Down generally associated with?
System of a Down is most often labeled as alternative metal or experimental metal, combining elements of hard rock, thrash metal, punk and Middle Eastern music in an unconventional, rhythmically complex style.

Where to hear and follow System of a Down

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Fwd: Pashinyan must go so that the nation has a chance to breathe. Raffi Hovhannisyan

David Nargizian

Pashinyan must go so that the nation has a chance to breathe




The guest of Armat Media’s “Interview” is Raffi Hovhannisyan, the founder of the “Heritage” party.


– This government went to pollute the elections, that too institutionally. Armenia had never had such a dirty election.


– This small group is not responsible for expatriation, surrender, or election violations. the goal is only to keep one’s seat.


– In the current situation, the overwhelming majority of the Armenian people expect a new approach from the opposition figures, with the agenda of the republican imperative.


– In case of taking the mandates, you should not start a normal struggle. It is no longer possible to continue the single-handed struggle with party “hats”. The Armenian people need a nationwide solution.


– Pashinyan’s rule will not last 5 years. It is a weak, cowardly and unable to take responsibility government.


– Turkey and Azerbaijan provide the last humiliation of Armenia.


– The peace brought by CP will bring war to the Armenian people. Pashinyan must go so that the nation has a chance to breathe.


Details in the video.

The guest of Armat Media’s “Interview” is Raffi Hovhannisyan, co-founder of the “Heritage” party.


– This government went to pollute the elections, that too institutionally. Armenia had never had such a dirty election.


– This small group is not responsible for expatriation, surrender, or election violations. the goal is only to keep one’s seat.


– In the current situation, the overwhelming majority of the Armenian people expect a new approach from the opposition figures, with the agenda of the republican imperative.


– In case of taking the mandates, you should not start a normal struggle. It is no longer possible to continue the single-handed struggle with party “hats”. The Armenian people need a nationwide solution.


– Pashinyan’s rule will not last 5 years. It is a weak, cowardly and unable to take responsibility government.


– Turkey and Azerbaijan provide the last humiliation of Armenia.


– The peace brought by CP will bring war to the Armenian people. Pashinyan must go so that the nation has a chance to breathe.


Details in the video.

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