Russian media and authorities called for Nikol Pashinyan's "destruction"

Margarita Simonyan, head of Russian state-run media outlets Russia Today and Sputnik, once again harshly criticized Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, calling on the country's citizens to "destroy" him. She asserted that voting for Pashinyan would only be possible under the influence of a powerful hallucinogenic drug.

Simonyan also ironically offered flour and millet to Armenia, alluding to the "universal craze for mushrooms" among citizens who support the current prime minister. She also expressed relief that she is not an Armenian citizen, adding that Russia can do without her, but Armenia cannot do without Russia.

Furthermore, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated on social media that Nikol Pashinyan has chosen to sever relations with Russia. According to him, such a development must be openly acknowledged, and the consequence of such a policy will be Armenia's loss of the Russian market and membership in the EAEU.

"Pashinyan is actively pushing Armenia down the path of Bandera's Ukraine. He has directly jeopardized relations with Russia, the CSTO, and the EAEU. His actions will have consequences," Medvedev threatened.

In response, Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan released an excerpt from a Russian television broadcast featuring Vladimir Solovyov and Margarita Simonyan, calling them "fantastic creatures." As for the reaction to Medvedev's words, the Armenian press began calling him an "alcoholic."

Earlier, Nikol Pashinyan announced the launch of direct rail service between Armenia and Europe and plans to abolish visa requirements. He also announced the official opening of the Turkish railway line for imports and exports, which now connects Armenia with Turkey via Georgia. Addressing voters, Pashinyan also stated that the issue of visa liberalization between Armenia and the European Union would be resolved "no later than in two years."

The Prime Minister's confidence is bolstered by significant diplomatic support from the West. This, in turn, provoked a sharp reaction in Moscow, which apparently firmly believed that Armenia's withdrawal from the CSTO was irreversible.

Последние новости
Council of Europe Calls for Review of Anar Mammadli’s Sentence
Human rights
Council of Europe Calls for Review of Anar Mammadli’s Sentence
11 September 2026

Representatives of the Council of Europe have called on Azerbaijani authorities to release human rights defender Anar Mammadli, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Specifically, PACE rapporteur on political prisoners Azadeh Rojhan asserts that his prosecution is political in nature and that fundamental principles of a fair trial were violated during the proceedings.

Pashinyan: Armenia to continue seeking alternative gas sources regardless of Russian gas price
Politics
Pashinyan: Armenia to continue seeking alternative gas sources regardless of Russian gas price
11 September 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the country will continue to seek alternative sources of gas, regardless of whether the cost of Russian supplies changes.

Memorial has recognized a Romanian national—detained in Abkhazia and convicted of espionage in Russia—as a political prisoner
Human rights
Memorial has recognized a Romanian national—detained in Abkhazia and convicted of espionage in Russia—as a political prisoner
11 September 2026

The Memorial Human Rights Center has designated Romanian national Adrian-David Kercho a political prisoner; he is currently serving a 15-year sentence in a maximum-security penal colony for espionage on behalf of Ukraine. The Krasnodar Regional Court handed down the verdict in March 2026, and an appeal in June upheld both the sentence and the criminal classification. Human rights defenders consider the case politically motivated and are calling for his release.

Georgian Interior Ministry Opens Case Against Blogger Over Profane Comment About Simonyan and Solovyov
Politics
Georgian Interior Ministry Opens Case Against Blogger Over Profane Comment About Simonyan and Solovyov
11 September 2026

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has initiated administrative proceedings against journalist Tornike Razmadze. The agency states that he is accused of insulting the country's Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, on social media. The case was opened under Article 166 (petty hooliganism) and Article 173 (disobedience to police orders), which carry penalties of a fine of up to 3,000 lari or up to 20 days in detention. The case is scheduled to be heard by the Tbilisi City Court on September 29.