Trump backs Armenia's Pashinyan for election, as Russia warns of energy cuts

Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for the upcoming general election, calling him a "great friend and leader." Trump declared his "full support" for Pashinyan's re-election on June 7, adding in a Truth Social post that "together, we will lead America, Armenia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia to greater heights than ever before. Make Armenia Great Again, MAGA!"

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Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is a great friend and leader. I fully support Nikol in winning the election on June 7th.

This endorsement comes as the U.S. strengthens its strategic partnership with Armenia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yerevan and signed a strategic partnership agreement. While details remain undisclosed, the agreement is seen as a significant step in establishing the "Trump's Path to International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), a corridor project envisioned by the Trump administration connecting Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. This initiative aims to increase access to the Caspian region's rich mineral resources.

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Together, we will lead America, Armenia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia to greater heights than ever before. Make Armenia Great Again, MAGA!

Armenia, historically influenced by Russia since its independence in 1991 and a member of the Eurasian Economic Union with a Russian military presence, has seen its relationship with Moscow deteriorate. The conflict with Azerbaijan in 2023, where Russian peacekeepers failed to prevent Azerbaijan's takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh, fueled anti-Russian sentiment. Consequently, Armenia has been pivoting towards the West, initiating EU accession procedures and hosting European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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If the process of joining the European Union continues, Russia will stop or unilaterally terminate the supply agreements for natural gas, oil products, and rough diamonds.

Russia has reacted with displeasure. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced it would halt or unilaterally terminate agreements on natural gas, oil products, and rough diamond supplies to Armenia if the country proceeds with its EU accession. Moscow has accused Armenia of moving onto an "anti-Russian track" and warned that EU membership would be incompatible with its EAEU status. Despite these pressures, Pashinyan remains committed to pursuing EU membership, stating that Armenia must have alternatives and cannot allow others to dictate its geopolitical direction.

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We must have alternatives so that no one can dictate to Armenia where it is going.