Lauge Risom Koch 
Russia reportedly discussed a plan to transport Armenian voters from Russia ahead of elections as tensions grow over Armenia’s closer ties with the European Union.
Russian officials have reportedly discussed a plan to bring Armenian citizens living in Russia back to Armenia to participate in upcoming parliamentary elections.
The reports come as relations between Moscow and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continue to deteriorate over Yerevan’s growing ties with the European Union.
Alleged election plan
According to Digi24, citing Reuters, Russian officials discussed transporting Armenian voters from Russia to Armenia ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7.
Four sources told Reuters that authorities estimated the cost of moving around 100,000 voters at roughly $50 million.
The report said Russian regions were allegedly given quotas detailing how many Armenian-origin residents should be sent from each area.
Local authorities were reportedly asked to provide updates on preparations by mid-May.
Pashinyan leads
Despite the reports, current polling suggests Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan remains the frontrunner.
According to figures cited by Reuters, his Civil Contract party is polling at around 30 percent.
His closest challenger, businessman Samvel Karapetyan and his Strong Armenia movement, trail significantly behind with support near 6 percent.
Reuters noted that it was unable to independently determine whether the alleged voter transport plan is being implemented or whether it would materially affect the election outcome.
Growing tensions
According to Digi24, relations between Moscow and Yerevan have worsened as Armenia has pursued closer cooperation with the European Union.
Russia has criticised Pashinyan’s pro-Western policies and has voiced support for Karapetyan, who is currently under investigation in Armenia.
Pashinyan also recently received public backing from US President Donald Trump ahead of the election campaign.
The dispute has become another flashpoint in Armenia’s shifting geopolitical orientation.
Pressure campaign
According to Reuters and The Insider, the Kremlin established a structure known as the Directorate for Strategic Cooperation and Partnership in late 2025 to coordinate influence operations in Armenia.
The reports also alleged that the GRU-linked bot network Storm-1516 has been involved in information campaigns targeting the country.
Meanwhile, Russia has threatened restrictions on energy supplies and temporarily blocked imports of several Armenian products, including flowers, vegetables, strawberries and Jermuk mineral water.
Sources: Digi24, Reuters, The Insider
