Kremlin seeks greater influence in Armenia ahead of 2026 elections

The Kremlin has launched efforts to expand its influence over Armenia’s information landscape and to prepare pro-Russian politicians for the country’s 2026 parliamentary elections, Vedomosti reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The initiative is being coordinated by Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration, along with departments under his supervision.

“The Armenian leadership continues drifting toward the West, which is unacceptable from the standpoint of Russian state policy,” one source told the newspaper.

Another source said Kiriyenko’s task is to use soft power to advance Russian interests in Armenia. According to the source, media and messaging efforts have already begun, and new objectives will be set as elections near. Currently, there are few openly pro-Russian political figures in Armenia beyond former presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan, the source added, noting: “There’s no one left to speak for Russia there.” While Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is expected to win re-election, “the issue now is not the election, but ensuring Russia’s continued presence in Armenia,” the source said.

The departments involved in the initiative include the Domestic Policy Directorate (headed by Andrei Yarin), the Directorate for Monitoring and Analysis of Social Processes (Alexander Kharichev), and the Directorate for Public Projects (Sergei Novikov).

In February 2024, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan announced the suspension of Armenia’s participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The Armenian government has since submitted a draft law initiating the country’s path toward EU membership.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for 2026. Currently, Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party holds a majority in parliament.

N.Tebrizli