Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the Strong Armenia party, sharply criticized Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s foreign policy, particularly relations with Russia.

In a public message, he said Armenia now faces a choice between what he described as an “economic war” with Russia in July or political change following the June elections.

“I am honestly angered by the behavior of the leader of a small group. He disgraced himself in Moscow. But worse, through consistent actions, he has turned our country into a place of geopolitical confrontation.

Why was it necessary to try to push friendly Russia out of our region? Its presence has never hindered Armenia’s cooperation or trade with other centers of power and will not in the future. It simply requires wisdom and, as people say, a certain tact. And one must be reasonable.

Our deepest economic ties are with Russia. It supplies us with cheap gas, welcomes our seasonal workers, and buys a significant share of our agricultural products. If all that stops, what answer will you give our people, who will become poorer?

However, the current prime minister does not care about the fate of our compatriots, their income or livelihoods. His priority is to stay in power by frightening people with false wars for his own well-being. Of course, he will not remain. We will remove this small group and build friendships with all countries in the region and all centers of power.

We have seen what happened to Georgia and Ukraine. We do not need new wars.

By voting for Nikol, you will get poverty and hostility with Russians, polarization and economic collapse. Trust us, and we will bring real change—strong economy, unity, and lasting peace. It is time for a strong Armenia,” the statement said.

Parliamentary elections in Armenia are scheduled for June 7, 2026.