Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes first visit to Armenia in 24 years
Updated
Updated · Euronews · May 4
Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes first visit to Armenia in 24 years
6 articles · Updated · Euronews · May 4
In Yerevan, Zelenskyy met Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to revive dialogue, discuss regional security and propose holding an economic cooperation commission in Kyiv this year.
The visit, Zelenskyy's first to Armenia since taking office in 2019, underscored Yerevan's shift towards Europe after hosting EU leaders, Canada's prime minister and NATO's secretary general.
It also risked further angering Moscow as Armenia's ties with Russia deteriorate over Karabakh, CSTO suspension and EU ambitions, while Russian commentators denounced the trip and some hinted at intervention.
If Russia cuts gas or imposes sanctions, can EU and US support truly safeguard Armenia’s economy and energy security during this critical transition?
Could Armenia's bold pivot to the EU trigger a major Russian response, or is Moscow’s influence already too diminished to change Yerevan’s course?
How might Armenia’s landmark shift to the West reshape regional alliances and the fragile peace process with Azerbaijan after the June 2026 elections?
Armenia's Geopolitical Realignment: Zelenskyy's Historic Visit and the Shift Away from Moscow
Overview
In May 2026, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's historic visit to Yerevan during the European Political Community summit highlighted Armenia's decisive shift away from Russian influence toward closer ties with the European Union. This pivot followed Armenia's loss of confidence in Russia's security guarantees after the 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, leading to Armenia freezing its participation in the Russia-led CSTO and pursuing deeper EU integration. The visit sparked strong Russian backlash, including diplomatic pressure and warnings, while Armenia responded by strengthening partnerships with Western countries and diversifying its defense suppliers. Bilateral talks between Zelenskyy and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan advanced economic cooperation and security collaboration, especially in drone technology, signaling a new era of regional realignment and strategic cooperation.