In Armenia's parliamentary election held on June 7, Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party won nearly 50% of the votes, securing the right to form the government again. The results sparked a strong reaction in Russia, with state television broadcasting anger over the election outcome.
Moscow's response revealed its disappointment with the election results. While Russia had hoped for Armenia to return to its political line, voters once again stood behind Pashinyan.
Election Outcome Disappoints Moscow's Expectations
The report highlights that Russia had been hoping for a political shift against Pashinyan in Armenia for months. However, the Civil Contract Party, which received about half the votes on June 7, ensured Pashinyan remained in power, and the anticipated change did not occur among Kremlin-affiliated circles.
The initial reaction from Russian propagandists was to attribute the results to "dirty tricks," detentions, manipulation, and voting violations. Nevertheless, the election outcome strengthened views that Russia's political influence over Armenia is weakening.
Russia Questions the Legitimacy of the Election
Following the election, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed the elections were held under pressure and Western interference. The report notes this statement clearly reflects Moscow's concern over losing influence in the South Caucasus.
Meanwhile, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights assessed that voters made a genuine choice among political options and that the process was professionally managed. Observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States, seen as close to the Kremlin, also did not support claims that the elections were stolen.
Kremlin's Pressure Rhetoric Losing Its Effect
Moscow's warnings to Armenia included messages that distancing from Russia could lead the country down Ukraine's path. However, according to the report, this rhetoric is losing its former impact.
The text explains that Russia's war in Ukraine no longer projects the image of strength the Kremlin wants to show; instead, it exposes vulnerabilities. Ukraine's long-range attacks, air defense alerts, and intense security measures are confining Moscow's political demonstrations to a narrower scope.
The "Close Circle" Narrative is Shaken
The report describes how Kremlin-affiliated figures have long believed Russia would not allow unwanted governments in its "close circle." Nevertheless, the results in Armenia showed Moscow cannot unilaterally determine political outcomes in the region.
Pashinyan's victory marks the limits of Russia's efforts to influence voter behavior through propaganda, commentator support, and indirect warnings. Voters clearly defied Moscow's influence by re-electing a government that challenges it.
Trade Sanctions Backfire
The report also notes that Russia's trade sanctions on Armenia involving "tomatoes and cucumbers" had the opposite effect, damaging Russia's image among the Armenian public.
Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan stated that his country would not trade its freedom for tomatoes and cucumbers. This statement indicates that tensions between Moscow and Yerevan extend beyond just the election results.
In conclusion, the Kremlin failed to alter the political balance in a country it has been pressuring. Despite Russia's objections, Armenian voters authorized Pashinyan to continue in office.
