---
title: "Kremlin Threats and the 'Ukrainian Scenario': How Russia Attempts to Sabotage Armenia's Western Course"
description: "🇦🇲 Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned: Russia is threatening Armenia more openly than before, threatening a 'Ukrainian scenario' and an economic blow. 🇷🇺\n\nReuters reports that Moscow may spend $50 million to transport 100,000 voters to Armenia before the June 7 elections to sabotage European integration. The Kremlin is not ready to accept the loss of influence in the South Caucasus."
date: 2026-05-31T21:39:56.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/kremlin-threats-armenia-elections-and-ukrainian-scenario
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Kremlin Threats and the 'Ukrainian Scenario': How Russia Attempts to Sabotage Armenia's Western Course

![Voting booth in Armenia with the national flag and coat of arms on the ballot box, symbolizing democratic choice and sovereignty](https://xab.info/media/2026/05/31/ugrozy-крема-armenii-vyibory-i-ukrainskiy-tsenariy/ugrozy-крема-armenii-vyibory-i-ukrainskiy-tsenariy-1.webp)

Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have reached a critical point. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy openly stated that Russia is threatening Armenia much more openly than before. According to the Ukrainian leader, these threats are systematic and concern all neighbors of the aggressor, serving as a signal for the entire region.

The situation has intensified against the backdrop of Armenia's desire to draw closer to the European Union. In response, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned its ambassador in Yerevan for consultations. The official statement cited Armenia's rapprochement with the EU as the cause, which, according to Moscow, "harms interaction within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union".

### The Collapse of Illusions and the 'Ukrainian Scenario'

The Kremlin is struggling to accept the change in foreign policy course of Nikol Pashinyan's government. Vyacheslav Potapenko, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Strategic Studies, notes that Moscow viewed Armenia as an "inherent ally" and a point of influence in the South Caucasus, considering pro-Russian policy a given.

Today, Putin no longer hides his irritation. Member states of the EAEU and CSTO under Moscow's aegis have demanded that Yerevan hold a nationwide referendum to determine its geopolitical vector. Furthermore, the Russian leader threatened Armenia with a "Ukrainian scenario" in the event of continued European integration. Simultaneously, threats of an economic blow to the republic are being voiced.

Experts see this as a repetition of the tactics previously used against Moldova. Vitaly Kulik, Director of the Center for the Study of Civil Society Issues, recalled that Moldova was effectively pushed off the Russian market under pressure from war threats and an energy crisis. Now Armenia is trying to do the same — diversify its economy and reorient towards Western markets.

### Interference in Elections and 'Transporting' Voters

A key moment for Moscow will be the parliamentary elections in Armenia, scheduled for June 7. According to Reuters, the Kremlin intends to use this opportunity to hinder Yerevan's rapprochement with the West. Among the possible scenarios is the mass relocation of Armenian citizens from Russia.

The specifics of Armenian electoral legislation play into Moscow's hands. Following changes to the Electoral Code in 2012, Armenian citizens abroad cannot vote at polling stations at embassies. They are obliged to return to the country to exercise their right to vote. This opens up opportunities for manipulation.

"The number of people Moscow could transport was the subject of discussions in intelligence circles," reports Reuters. According to the source, Russian authorities are seriously considering the idea of transporting 100,000 voters. Calculations show that such an operation would cost approximately $50 million.

### Information War and Zelenskyy's Calls

In addition to logistical manipulations, the Kremlin is actively promoting pro-Russian and anti-Western narratives in Armenia. This is being done, in particular, by the Storm-1516 network, linked to structures of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European partners to support Yerevan and strengthen defense cooperation. He is convinced that it is necessary to strengthen economic ties and reduce dependence on Russia to deprive the Kremlin of blackmail tools.

"Every neighbor of Russia heard the words about Armenia, a people who are the only ones who have the right and will choose the future for their country. And what Russia says about Armenia is actually not just about it," emphasized the Ukrainian president. In his opinion, all countries in the region need to think about security, develop modern defense production, and create diverse economic ties so that no one depends on Russia.