Pashinyan Outplayed Putin
- Viktor Yagun
- 7.06.2026, 21:27
Unconventional move.
Social networks are actively discussing the parliamentary elections in Armenia: the election campaign has actually turned into a process of the country's withdrawal from the Russian orbit and is being held under unprecedented political and economic pressure from the Russian Federation - threats from the Kremlin and references to the "Ukrainian scenario."
Moscow's attempt to influence Armenia's parliamentary elections, however, unexpectedly turned into panic among some of the pro-Russian voters who were planning to travel to the country from the Russian Federation.
At the finale of the election race, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made an unconventional move, turning a potential Russian hybrid campaign into an almost comedic plot.
What happened? According to several media reports, the Kremlin's plan was to use Armenian citizens permanently residing in Russia to vote. Since Armenian legislation does not provide for voting abroad, they were to be brought to Armenia by air just before the elections.
But a surprise awaited the arrivals at the Zvartnots airport. Men of conscription age and reservists began to receive summonses for a 25-day military training camp. For many it was an unpleasant surprise, because instead of a short political trip they risked spending almost a month in military units or training centers.
It seems that Yerevan decided that if a citizen suddenly remembered about his Motherland on the eve of elections, the Motherland has every right to remind him of his constitutional duties.
According to Armenian sources, the prospect of military training has cooled the enthusiasm of some potential participants of such "electoral landing". There have even been reports in social networks about canceling some trips.
In the meantime, Moscow has traditionally turned to diplomatic and economic pressure. There have been threats to revise trade terms, claims about the quality of certain Armenian goods, and Russian officials have been commenting more and more harshly on the actions of the Pashinyan government.
Pashinyan himself reacts to these attacks quite calmly. In addition, the European Union has announced additional financial support for Armenia and expanded opportunities for Armenian products to enter European markets.
As a result, the situation has become rather symbolic.
While the Kremlin is trying to fight to maintain its influence in the South Caucasus, the Armenian authorities are responding not with loud statements, but by applying their own legislation.
What will be the end of this story will become clear after the announcement of the election results. But we can already say that one of the most unusual election campaigns of recent years will enter the political folklore of the region.
Viktor Yagun, unian.net