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

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed victory in parliamentary elections with his Civil Contract party securing 49.82% of votes, positioning the election as a test of Russia’s influence. The opposition Strong Armenia bloc, led by Samvel Karapetyan, received 23.28%, while Russia imposed export restrictions on Armenian goods, described as 'economic coercion' by the EU.