Election Campaign Keeps Armenian PM from Attending Putin’s Victory Day Parade

Declining the May 9 Parade Invitation

According to Главком: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has turned down an invitation to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow, citing the start of his country’s parliamentary election campaign. The elections are scheduled for June 7. Pashinyan noted that he does not recall a tradition of Armenian leaders making an annual appearance at the event in the Russian capital. On May 8 and 9, during the celebration, he plans to be in the Syunik region.

Pivot Toward EU Membership and International Support

Armenia officially set a course toward joining the European Union in early 2025. The country’s parliament passed a corresponding law in March 2025. Despite this new direction, Armenia remains a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

It is also worth noting that the European Union has provided Armenia with 30 million euros in assistance through the European Peace Facility. The Armenian armed forces have already received their first shipments of aid under this initiative. Additionally, the two sides have signed a partnership agreement covering:

• transport infrastructure
• energy
• digital connectivity

This agreement was concluded under the 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative and the EU’s program for interregional connectivity.

The EU has also launched a call for companies from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Armenia to develop strategic investment projects. These steps highlight a deepening of cooperation between Armenia and the EU, even as the country maintains commitments under other international agreements.

Pashinyan’s decision to skip the Moscow parade may signal a shift in Armenia’s foreign policy, as it seeks to strengthen ties with the European Union amid a challenging geopolitical landscape. The intensifying partnership with the EU and the receipt of financial aid further underscore Armenia’s aspiration to integrate into European structures-a move that could affect its relations with Russia and other post-Soviet states. Such choices may also influence the domestic political climate as parliamentary elections draw near.

As Armenia navigates its evolving foreign policy, the recent decisions by Prime Minister Pashinyan reflect a broader ambition for closer ties with the European Union. This shift is underscored by significant agreements reached during a recent summit, which aim to bolster Armenia's integration within Europe. For more insights on these pivotal developments, see our coverage of Armenia's EU aspirations and key agreements signed.