Leaked documents reveal Moscow orchestrated a multi-track operation to remove Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of June 7 elections, according to materials obtained by the Dossier Centre, an investigative outlet founded by exiled Russian businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
The documents detail Russian efforts to promote Russian-Armenian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan as Armenia's next leader. Kremlin consultant Gleb Kuznetsov designed an operation positioning Karapetyan as the "saviour" of Armenia, according to leaked strategy papers. Karapetyan reportedly "met specific requirements: not connected to discredited opposition or Pashinyan's group."
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. Armenia has pivoted away from Russia since 2020, when Moscow declined to intervene during Armenia's defeat in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War against Azerbaijan. Pashinyan subsequently pursued closer ties with the European Union and the United States, infuriating the Kremlin.
However, Karapetyan's viability as a candidate faced obstacles. His Russian ties—including appearances in FSB databases since 2006—created legal complications for his candidacy for prime minister under Armenian law. The documents reveal mounting Kremlin frustration with these impediments.
When Karapetyan's prospects declined, shifted to a backup candidate: former Human Rights Defender . The same Russian political consulting institute designed his campaign, with a budget of 926.7 million projected for five months. was according to the leaked materials, but explicitly told or advocate for 's return to the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization.

