Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan claims victory in election seen as test of Russia's influence

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan claimed victory in a general election with his Civil Contract party securing 49.82% of votes, positioning the result as a test of Russia's influence in the region. Opponent Samvel Karapetyan, under house arrest for alleged government overthrow advocacy, rejected charges as politically motivated, while Russian officials imposed export restrictions and warned of Ukraine-like consequences.