Armenian PM Pashinyan Criticizes EAEU and Russia, Announces New Spokesperson

In late July 2026, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made several statements criticizing the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Russia, saying the bloc is "de facto paralyzed and dysfunctional" and warning that Russian trade restrictions could mark the "beginning of the end" for the Eurasian bloc. He also questioned how Armenia was a "bad partner" for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to fail its obligations, as Yerevan continues to diversify its foreign policy. Meanwhile, Pashinyan confirmed ongoing efforts to free Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan and said Armenia is ready to address Iran's concerns over the TRIPP project. In a separate development, his spokesperson, Baghdasaryan, ended his tenure and took up a parliamentary mandate, with a new spokesperson appointed. Pashinyan was also praised by a Hudson Institute scholar as a "key architect" of Armenia's new path toward peace and cooperation.