Armenia heads to polls amid Russian pressure and threat of ‘Ukrainian scenario’
Summary
Armenia is holding parliamentary elections amid rising pressure from Russia, which recently banned imports of Armenian products like cognac. This move is seen as a response to Armenia’s government shifting towards closer ties with Europe, away from its traditional alliance with Russia.Key Facts
- Russia banned imports of Armenian cognac and other goods, citing sanitary reasons but seen as political pressure.
- Armenia sends about 40% of its exports to Russia, making the trade restrictions significant.
- Armenia’s Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, is pushing to align the country more with Europe rather than Russia.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Armenia it could face a “Ukrainian scenario” if it continues moving closer to Europe.
- Armenia’s relationship with Russia has worsened since Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.
- Armenia questioned and suspended its participation in the Russian-led military alliance CSTO after Russia did not intervene in Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Armenia hosted a European Political Community summit in April, attended by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Pashinyan has made progress in relations with Western countries, including the US.
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