03.04.2026 09:23
During Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's visit to Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his discomfort with Armenia's rapprochement with Europe and requested the participation of pro-Russian elements in the elections. Pashinyan rejected this demand by emphasizing the constitution. This dialogue, which took place before the June elections, revealed an increase in political tension between the two countries.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin during his official visit to Moscow. The meeting addressed not only bilateral relations but also Armenia's increasing contacts with the West.
PUTIN'S DISCOMFORT WITH "CLOSENESS"
Putin expressed his discomfort with Armenia deepening its relations with Europe. The Russian leader emphasized that the Yerevan administration could not maintain agreements similar to the Customs Union with both Russia and the European Union at the same time.
ELECTION MESSAGE: RUSSIAN SUPPORTERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMPETE
One of the notable topics during the meeting was the upcoming elections. Putin requested Pashinyan to ensure that pro-Russian figures could compete equally and fairly in the parliamentary elections to be held in Armenia in June.
PASHINYAN'S EMPHASIS ON THE CONSTITUTION
Pashinyan gave a clear response to Putin's request. Emphasizing that Armenia is a democratic rule of law state, Pashinyan reminded that only Armenian citizens can participate in the elections.
Pashinyan stated, "Armenia is a democratic country. Only Armenian citizens can participate in the elections. Those holding a Russian passport cannot be candidates for either parliament or prime minister according to the constitution. There are no exceptions in this regard."
ALL EYES ON THE JUNE ELECTIONS
This meeting ahead of the parliamentary elections in June indicated that the political balances between the two countries could be reshaped.