Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan has called for the suspension of Russian television channel broadcasts in the country, citing concerns over interference and deteriorating bilateral relations. His remarks were made on July 1, as Armenia continues to pivot away from Moscow’s influence and seek closer ties with the West. The statements come amid a backdrop of increasing tension between Armenia and Russia, exacerbated by Moscow’s failure to support Armenia during Azerbaijan’s military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, resulting in the displacement of many ethnic Armenians.
Simonyan criticized recent content aired by Russian state broadcasters, which the Armenian government has denounced as harmful to bilateral ties. He suggested that individuals connected to Armenian-Russian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan may be financing efforts to interfere in Armenia’s internal affairs. The speaker proposed that such channels should be banned from entering Armenian homes as a form of response. His comments reflect broader concerns within the Armenian government about the influence of Russian media and its potential to undermine national interests and political stability.
This comes as Armenia formally initiates its accession process to the European Union, marking a significant political shift. The law was passed by parliament in March with 64 lawmakers in favor and seven against. The move is seen as a symbolic yet important step in Armenia’s long-term strategy to align more closely with Western institutions. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that EU membership would require a referendum, while the Kremlin warned that joining both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is impossible. The EAEU includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.
Armenia’s pivot from Russia has been ongoing, with the country seeking to enhance its relationships with Europe and the United States. This shift is particularly evident in its recent legislative actions and diplomatic engagements. The Armenian government has been actively working to improve relations with the European Union, which could have significant implications for both the country’s economy and its geopolitical position. The government has also been exploring ways to diversify its economic partnerships, reducing its reliance on Russian markets and seeking new opportunities in the West.
Despite these efforts, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has faced challenges in implementing the EU accession process. The Kremlin’s opposition to Armenia’s potential alignment with the EU has created a complex political landscape. The Eurasian Economic Union, which includes several post-Soviet states, has been a key economic and political partner for Armenia, and the country has had to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining its current relationships and pursuing new ones with the West. This balancing act is central to Armenia’s foreign policy strategy as it seeks to secure its national interests amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, Armenia’s actions in response to Russian media influence and its pursuit of EU membership will likely have significant implications for its future. The country’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining its position in the region and its relationships with global powers. The ongoing developments in Armenian-Russian relations and its European integration efforts will be closely watched by both regional and international observers.