Russia weighs options on Armenia ahead of key elections (opens in new tab)

Moscow's policy toward Armenia in the run-up to the crucial parliamentary elections in Armenia on June 7 has shifted from mere irritation to practical pressure. Russia is no longer simply expressing dissatisfaction with Armenia's leadership's attempts to build closer ties with the West, but is actively trying to raise the cost of that turn for Armenian society. Russia has been clear that closer ties with the EU may bring political symbolism and Western diplomatic support, but remaining inside