Armenia Battles Russian Disinformation Amid Diplomatic Shift and Elections

Armenia is confronting an unprecedented wave of Russian disinformation as the South Caucasus nation navigates a pivotal shift in its foreign policy orientation while preparing for crucial parliamentary elections later this year.

Government officials and media analysts report that Moscow has intensified its influence operations in Armenia following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s decision to distance the country from its traditional Russian alliance. The campaign combines sophisticated social media manipulation with more traditional propaganda techniques through Russian-controlled Armenian media outlets.

“We’re witnessing a coordinated effort to undermine democratic institutions and sovereignty through targeted disinformation,” said Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, during a press briefing last week. “These campaigns exploit existing social divisions and security concerns to create instability and distrust in government institutions.”

Armenia’s strategic reorientation gained momentum after Russia’s perceived failure to support the country during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. The situation reached a breaking point last September when Azerbaijan launched a lightning offensive that recaptured the disputed territory, triggering a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from the region.

The Armenian government has since taken significant steps to reduce dependency on Moscow, including suspending its participation in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and pursuing closer ties with Western nations. In January, Armenia ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, effectively obligating it to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin should he visit—a move that further strained bilateral relations.

Media monitoring organizations have documented a sharp increase in false narratives circulating across Armenian social networks and news sites. These include fabricated reports about Western interference in domestic politics, exaggerated claims about economic hardships resulting from distancing from Russia, and conspiracy theories suggesting the government is betraying national interests.

“The disinformation ecosystem has evolved significantly,” explained Shushan Doydoyan, head of the Freedom of Information Center in Yerevan. “We’re seeing sophisticated networks of bot accounts, coordinated messaging across platforms, and the amplification of emotionally charged content designed to polarize public opinion.”

Armenian authorities have implemented various countermeasures, including establishing a government task force to identify and respond to disinformation campaigns. The country’s media regulatory body has also introduced new guidelines requiring greater transparency regarding the ownership and funding sources of news organizations operating in Armenia.

Digital literacy programs have been expanded in schools and universities, while independent fact-checking organizations have received increased support from both government and international partners. However, experts acknowledge that these efforts face significant challenges in a media landscape where Russian influence remains deeply entrenched.

The disinformation battle has gained additional significance as Armenia prepares for parliamentary elections expected in December. Political analysts warn that foreign-backed information operations could significantly impact voter sentiment and potentially undermine electoral integrity.

“Elections represent a particular vulnerability,” said Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center, an independent think tank in Yerevan. “The combination of heightened political tensions, economic uncertainty following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and sophisticated external influence operations creates a perfect storm for disinformation to thrive.”

Armenia’s experience highlights broader challenges facing former Soviet republics attempting to chart more independent foreign policy courses. Georgia and Moldova have faced similar disinformation campaigns as they pursued closer integration with European institutions.

International observers note that Armenia’s situation deserves particular attention due to its complicated geopolitical position—landlocked between hostile Azerbaijan and Turkey, with Iran to the south and Georgia to the north as its only accessible neighbors. This geography has historically limited Armenia’s strategic options and increased its vulnerability to external pressure.

Western partners, including the European Union and United States, have pledged support for Armenia’s information resilience efforts. The EU recently announced a €5 million program to strengthen independent media and fact-checking capabilities in the country, while USAID has incorporated media literacy components into its democracy assistance programs.

As Armenia continues navigating this challenging transition, experts emphasize that building societal resilience against disinformation requires not only technical solutions but also addressing legitimate grievances and anxieties that make citizens susceptible to manipulation.

“This is ultimately about securing Armenia’s democratic future,” Doydoyan noted. “The battle against disinformation is inseparable from broader efforts to strengthen institutions, improve governance, and build a more resilient civil society.”