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Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Armenians go to the polls under Russian pressure aimed at preventing a drift toward West

Armenians are voting in parliamentary elections as the government seeks to loosen ties with Moscow and increase cooperation with the West
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Armenia's Election Could Shift Geopolitical Ties Amid Russian Tensions

Armenia's Election Could Shift Geopolitical Ties Amid Russian Tensions

Armenia is preparing for a pivotal parliamentary election that could redefine its geopolitical alliances. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking to strengthen ties with the European Union and the United States, moving away from Armenia's traditional alignment with Russia. This shift comes after dissatisfaction with Russia's role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Russian peacekeepers were accused of failing to prevent Azerbaijan's takeover of the region. Pashinyan's Civil Contract party is favored to retain control, but faces opposition from pro-Russia parties. The election is seen as a referendum on Armenia's future international orientation, with potential economic repercussions from Russia if Armenia pivots towards the West.
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Armenia Faces Russian Pressure Amid Parliamentary Elections and Economic Tensions

Armenia Faces Russian Pressure Amid Parliamentary Elections and Economic Tensions

Armenia is heading to the polls for parliamentary elections amidst significant pressure from Russia. The elections are seen as a critical test for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government, which has been steering the country towards closer ties with Europe. This shift has strained Armenia's historically close relationship with Russia, which has responded with economic measures such as banning imports of Armenian cognac and other goods. The Kremlin's actions are perceived as attempts to discourage Armenia's westward orientation. The geopolitical tension is further complicated by Armenia's economic dependence on Russia, particularly in terms of subsidized gas supplies. The elections will determine whether Pashinyan's Civil Contract party can maintain its political dominance despite these challenges.
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U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal Between Azerbaijan and Armenia Faces Uncertainty Amid Armenian Elections

U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal Between Azerbaijan and Armenia Faces Uncertainty Amid Armenian Elections

The U.S.-brokered peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, known as the TRIPP corridor, is at risk as Armenia's parliamentary elections approach on June 7. This corridor, negotiated at the White House, is intended to create a strategic partnership from the Mediterranean to Central Asia, under U.S. control. The deal is part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals and energy resources. High-ranking American officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have shown strong support for the deal and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The outcome of the elections could determine the future of this peace agreement, with Pashinyan's reelection seen as crucial for its continuation.
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Armenia's Election Could Shift Geopolitical Ties Between Moscow and the West

Armenia's Election Could Shift Geopolitical Ties Between Moscow and the West

Armenia is preparing for parliamentary elections that could redefine its geopolitical alliances. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking closer ties with the European Union and the United States, moving away from Armenia's traditional alliance with Russia. This shift comes after dissatisfaction with Russia's role in the Karabakh conflict, where Russian peacekeepers were accused of failing to protect Armenian interests. Pashinyan's government has taken steps to weaken ties with Moscow, such as joining the International Criminal Court and suspending participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The election will determine whether Armenia continues this Western pivot or reverts to stronger ties with Russia.
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Russia accuses Ukraine of killing Azerbaijani nationals in drone attack on ships

Russia accuses Ukraine of killing Azerbaijani nationals in drone attack on ships

MOSCOW, June 5 (Reuters) - Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of killing Azerbaijani crew on board two cargo vessels headed for a Russian port, in a drone attack which Baku said had killed at least five of its citizens.
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US preparing draft resolution condemning Iran at IAEA, diplomats say

US preparing draft resolution condemning Iran at IAEA, diplomats say

By Francois Murphy and John Irish VIENNA/PARIS, June 5 (Reuters) - The United States is preparing a draft resolution condemning Iran ahead of next week's meeting of the U.N. nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors, diplomats said on Friday, a step that could complicate wider talks between the U.S. and
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Putin says he currently sees no reason to meet Ukraine's Zelenskiy

Putin says he currently sees no reason to meet Ukraine's Zelenskiy

By Vladimir Soldatkin and Andrew Osborn ST PETERSBURG, Russia, June 5 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he currently saw no reason to meet Volodymyr Zelenskiy after the Ukrainian president published an open letter proposing they hold face-to-face talks to agree an end to a
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Macron, Starmer and Merz to meet Zelenskiy in London on June 7, Elysee says

Macron, Starmer and Merz to meet Zelenskiy in London on June 7, Elysee says

PARIS, June 5 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday, the Elysee said in a statement. 
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Armenia prepares for an election that could reshape ties with Moscow and the West

Armenia prepares for an election that could reshape ties with Moscow and the West

Armenia's parliamentary elections Sunday will focus on its geopolitical future as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeks closer ties with the EU and the U.S. That is despite Armenia's longstanding relations with Russia that are favored by most of the country's opposition parties
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House passes bill to aid Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia

House passes bill to aid Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia

The House has passed a bill to aid Ukraine and sanction key segments of the Russian economy