Pashinyan Seeks 3rd Term in June 7 Vote as Russia Threatens Armenia's EU Turn
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jun 2
Pashinyan Seeks 3rd Term in June 7 Vote as Russia Threatens Armenia's EU Turn
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jun 2
June 7 elections could hand Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan a third term, with analysts expecting his Civil Contract party to win despite mounting pressure from Moscow.
Trump gave Pashinyan his “COMPLETE and TOTAL endorsement” on May 27, while Putin warned of a “Ukrainian scenario” and Russia recalled its ambassador from Yerevan.
Russian pressure has also hit trade and energy: Moscow banned Armenian products including Jermuk water and threatened to scrap a 2013 duty-free fuel agreement, though experts say the tactics have so far failed to shift polls.
A constitutional majority could let Pashinyan push legal changes sought by Azerbaijan and accelerate a peace deal that may reopen borders and unlock the U.S.-backed TRIPP corridor.
Even with Armenia still reliant on Russia for railways, gas and fuel for a plant generating up to 40% of its electricity, public trust in Russia has fallen to about 35% from more than 80% before 2023.