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Armenia Faces Surge in Foreign Disinformation Ahead of June Elections
Armenia is battling an intensifying wave of foreign disinformation and hybrid attacks as the country approaches parliamentary elections in June, according to government officials. Media experts have specifically identified Russia as a primary source of these campaigns.
The disinformation surge comes at a critical time as Yerevan attempts to pivot away from Moscow toward Western alliances while simultaneously working to normalize relations with Azerbaijan following two devastating wars over the disputed Karabakh region.
Russia’s influence throughout its former Soviet territories has weakened considerably since its invasion of Ukraine, which has alarmed many countries previously under Moscow’s control. Although Armenia remains a formal ally of Russia, it has suspended its participation in a regional security pact, citing Moscow’s failure to provide support during the conflict with Azerbaijan.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s party is widely expected to perform well in the upcoming elections, as opposition groups remain divided and lack popular support. However, his pro-Western foreign policy stance has provoked considerable anger from Moscow.
In a report released last month, Armenia’s foreign intelligence service warned of extensive “malign information operations by external actors,” which include the dissemination of false information and conspiracy theories designed to “influence the votes.” The report mentioned that these activities are typically conducted by “foreign state or government bodies, including special services and associated resources,” though it stopped short of naming specific countries.
Analysts, however, have been more direct in their assessments. “Russia is dissatisfied with Armenia,” independent analyst Benjamin Matevosyan told AFP, explaining that Moscow views Pashinyan’s Western rapprochement as an “anti-Russian project that would be used against Russia.”
Gegham Vardanyan of the Media Initiatives Center noted that “hybrid information warfare has intensified alongside Armenia’s changing relations with Russia.” The intelligence service added that these campaigns also aim to undermine peace prospects with Azerbaijan, following a preliminary agreement the two nations reached last year under U.S. mediation.
Despite Armenia’s recent moves to distance itself from Moscow-led organizations like the Collective Security Treaty Organisation in favor of closer ties with the European Union and United States, Russia still maintains significant cultural, linguistic, and economic influence in the country.
“Russian state television channels remain accessible in Armenia, alongside the Russian state outlet Sputnik and local media that prioritize Kremlin narratives,” Vardanyan explained. He also cited evidence of activity from “Russian-linked hacker groups,” including Fancy Bear (also known as APT28), which has previously targeted Armenian military personnel and diplomats.
A common tactic in these disinformation campaigns involves “clone sites” that mimic reputable Western media outlets. In one instance, a fake French-language website falsely claimed that Paris was shipping nuclear waste to Armenia. Another counterfeit French outlet spread fabricated reports about Prime Minister Pashinyan purchasing a luxury mansion in France.
Russian and Azerbaijani media have also circulated false allegations that officials from the EU monitoring mission in Armenia are spies. Vardanyan observed that these narratives consistently push one central message: “cooperation with the West is dangerous for Armenia.”
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has responded forcefully to these challenges, stating: “The enemies of freedom do not sleep. We must acknowledge that they can be very creative, they are ready to pump millions of dollars into propaganda machines and illegal schemes of interference.” He acknowledged the difficult balance between protecting press freedom and confronting “malign actors,” warning that such activities will likely “increase” as elections approach.
While Russia appears to be the primary source of disinformation, Vardanyan indicated that Azerbaijan and its close ally Turkey are also conducting information attacks against Armenia.
The European Union has allocated €15 million ($17.7 million) to help counter disinformation efforts. However, media security expert Samvel Martirosyan cautioned that external assistance could itself become weaponized in the ongoing information war. “Armenia has effectively found itself in a swamp of hybrid warfare, and the situation is made worse by internal actors who become links in this chain,” he added.
As Armenia continues its delicate geopolitical realignment, the battle against foreign disinformation remains a critical challenge for maintaining political stability and democratic processes in this strategic South Caucasus nation.
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9 Comments
It’s a challenging time for Armenia as it seeks to distance itself from Russia’s orbit. The disinformation threat is a real concern, but I’m hopeful the country can strengthen its democratic institutions and secure a more independent foreign policy.
Armenia’s pivot toward the West is a bold move, but it also puts the country in a precarious position vis-à-vis its former ally, Russia. Combating foreign disinformation will be key to preserving Armenia’s democratic progress and sovereignty.
The upcoming Armenian elections will be an important test, both for the country’s democratic development and its ability to resist foreign meddling. I’m curious to see how the political landscape evolves as Armenia pursues closer ties with the West.
The rise of foreign disinformation campaigns in Armenia is worrying, but it’s good to see the government taking steps to combat it. Maintaining democratic integrity during elections is vital, especially with shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Agreed. Armenia will need strong defenses against malign foreign influence as it navigates these complex geopolitical waters.
Russia’s waning influence in the region is a positive sign, but the disinformation threat remains a serious challenge for Armenia. Strengthening media literacy and fact-checking will be crucial in the lead-up to the elections.
Russia’s influence in the region seems to be waning, which is a positive sign. But the disinformation threat remains real, as Armenia tries to chart a more independent foreign policy course. It’s crucial that Armenians have access to reliable, impartial information ahead of the elections.
It’s concerning to see Russia ramping up disinformation campaigns in Armenia ahead of elections. With Armenia’s pivot toward the West, Moscow is likely feeling threatened and looking to sow division. Kudos to the Armenian government for combating these hybrid attacks.
Interesting to see how Armenia is navigating its relationships with Russia and the West. Normalizing ties with Azerbaijan after the Karabakh conflicts is a delicate balancing act. The upcoming elections will be an important test for Armenia’s democratic progress.