OSCE Secretary-General Feridun Sinirlioglu reportedly offered to assist in ousting the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church during a phone call with Russian pranksters posing as Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan. The pranksters claimed the OSCE's help would be a 'trump card' to remove Catholicos Karekin II.
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan stated that the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project will significantly expand trade opportunities for Armenia and Iran, opening railways from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea. He addressed Iran's concerns about US presence, assuring no conspiracy and readiness to unblock regional transport links.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov announced that Azerbaijan and Armenia have delimited approximately 13 kilometers of their state border. Special commissions, headed by deputy prime ministers from both nations, are overseeing the process, which will continue from north to south.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that Armenia might require a high or medium capacity nuclear plant in the coming years to address a potential energy shortage. He suggested that the demand for electricity in Armenia is growing, potentially leading to a deficit of up to 1 GW in the coming decades, necessitating the construction of one or two new nuclear units.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during a visit to Russia, stated Armenia's ambition to secure a prominent position in the global IT and high-tech industry through digitalization, AI, and data analysis, highlighting recent industrial growth and cooperation within the EAEU.
Russian PM Mishustin met with Armenian PM Pashinyan, emphasizing the need for Armenia to maintain favorable conditions for Russian investors and protect their rights. The meeting occurred at the Innoprom exhibition in Yekaterinburg.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed Armenia's interest in expanding cooperation with Russia during talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Yekaterinburg. Mishustin hoped the new Armenian government would foster friendly relations.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan affirmed Armenia's interest in continuing its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Innoprom exhibition, expressing hope for constructive resolution of issues.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated that Russia holds the top position among Armenia's foreign trade partners and investors. He noted that Russian companies are actively involved in Armenia's mining, mechanical engineering, transport, energy, and digital economy sectors.
Trump plans to contact Putin after meeting Zelensky; Russia reports Ukraine troop losses; Kremlin discusses US-Russia security guarantees; and various global geopolitical updates.
The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, announced significant economic support for Armenia, including trade tariff removals and financial packages, to counter Russian pressure. The EU also pledged investment in regional connectivity and support for energy diversification.
The European Commission will provide Armenia with €38 million in aid and grant tariff-free access to the EU market for 80% of Armenian goods. EC President Ursula von der Leyen announced the aid package, which includes €18 million for export promotion and €20 million for border communities, stating the EU supports partners facing economic pressure.
Armenia has begun independent efforts to restore railway lines connecting to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that legal consultations are underway with the South Caucasus Railway (SCR), a subsidiary of Russian Railways, regarding these sections.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that his government does not seek to create a crisis in relations with Russia, emphasizing that Armenia acts in its own national interests while considering its international partners. This comes amid discussions about potential restructuring of economic ties by Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Ukraine-style autonomous trade measures for Armenia, liberalizing 80% of its exports to the EU. This aims to help Armenia diversify its economy from Russia, following its pro-European government's recent election win.
Israel's decision to recognize the Armenian Genocide marks a significant shift from decades of diplomatic silence, driven by deteriorating relations with Türkiye and a desire to influence US policy. This move, while appearing moral, is rooted in national interests, impacting ties with Azerbaijan and paradoxically, Armenia's own foreign policy agenda.
Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan affirmed Yerevan's interest in maintaining dialogue with Russia, with bilateral contacts expected soon. He also stated Armenia does not view its EAEU membership as problematic while pursuing closer EU ties, noting authorities have considered the EAEU leaders' May 29 statement.
Turkish President Erdoğan criticized Israel's recent vote to recognize the Armenian genocide, calling it an attempt to cover up its own actions in Gaza. He asserted Turkey's history is free of genocide and highlighted Turkey's role in protecting Jews during the Holocaust.
Ursula von der Leyen visits Azerbaijan and Armenia to advance the peace process, strengthen energy cooperation, and improve regional connectivity. The EU aims to deepen economic partnerships and support Armenia amid Russian economic pressure, focusing on the Middle Corridor and gas supplies.
Israel's Cabinet unanimously approved a proposal to designate violence against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as genocide, a move reflecting deteriorating ties with Turkey. Turkey condemned the decision as politically motivated, accusing Israel of trying to distract from its actions against Palestinians.
Israel's government votes to recognize the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), straining relations with Turkey, which denies the genocide and has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Armenia and Türkiye are pursuing normalization, including reopening borders and trade, after decades of deadlock. While offering economic opportunities, this process is intertwined with Armenia's shift from traditional reliance on Russia towards Western influence, raising concerns about potential new regional confrontations rather than stability.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week to strengthen the EU's strategic engagement with both countries. Discussions will focus on energy supplies, regional infrastructure, and economic cooperation, particularly the Middle Corridor trade route.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated Armenia must make a strategic choice between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union, citing risks to EAEU economic security from Yerevan's EU rapprochement and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's evasive statements.
