Armenian PM urges tougher anti-Russian actions ahead of elections

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reportedly instructed pro-Western factions within the country to initiate a series of anti-Russian actions in an apparent shift in geopolitical strategy.

This directive comes amid waning public support for both the government and pro-Western political forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing a Yerevan-based newspaper.

Recent polling data reportedly shows a decline of approximately 10 percent in the number of voters aligning with pro-Western positions, raising concerns within the ruling political bloc ahead of upcoming elections.

“Meanwhile, Pashinyan's hope in the upcoming elections is a pro-European alliance, through which he can hope to stay in power,” the newspaper notes.

The newspaper claims that, in the coming weeks, pro-Western groups are expected to ramp up their public demonstrations against Russian influence in Armenia. Among the planned actions is a rally scheduled for August 23 in the city of Gyumri, where protestors will reportedly demand the withdrawal of the Russian 102nd military base—a longstanding symbol of Russian military presence in the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva