Armenia holds parliamentary elections as geopolitical pivot between Russia and West (defence24.com)

• Pashinyan's Civic Contract leads with ~32%, Strong Armenia (pro-Russian) second.
• Russia imposed trade restrictions and threatened energy leverage; EU countered with €50M aid.
• Reported Russian interference plans, AI-generated disinformation on Facebook, and opaque political ads.

"Armenia's June 7 parliamentary elections are a referendum on foreign policy direction. Prime Minister Pashinyan's Civic Contract party leads polls with ~32%, but faces challenges from pro-Russian Strong Armenia movement (second) and fragmented opposition. Russia has exerted economic pressure via trade restrictions and energy threats, while EU offered €50M support. Disinformation campaigns and AI-generated content have been used, with reports of Russian interference plans. The outcome will determine Armenia's trajectory between EU integration and maintaining ties with Russia."