2026 Elections Targeted by Moscow: Large-Scale Hybrid Operations Surrounding Armenia

The documents released following a hacking attack by Russia's Social Design Agency (SDA) reveal a vast strategy aimed at destabilizing Armenia's political situation and redirecting the country's foreign policy towards Russia. The strategy involves extensive informational operations, but not limited to that. These projects include the establishment of media platforms, dissemination of false information, and even covert operations in Europe, according to media.am.

The SDA is not a new player in this field. It came under U.S. sanctions due to attempts to influence the 2024 American elections. Just days ago, the British government announced new sanctions against this PR agency.

Anonymous hackers claimed to have breached the agency's network, revealing a large number of documents. Some of these documents pertain to influence operation plans directed at Armenia that have already been implemented or are currently being executed. Of course, it should be noted that the hacking attack against the agency might also be a consequence of a hybrid attack from another side, and for instance, real materials may include false, artificial documents. However, the general logic suggests that we are likely dealing with genuine materials.

So, what do we see in these materials?

1. Strategic Goal: The 2026 Elections
   SDA's main target is the parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in Armenia in June 2026. The primary, but not sole, strategy is to mobilize "Russian Armenians," who the authors believe could have a decisive impact on the voting results.

To this end, the following projects have been launched:

• Yerevan1: A specialized media outlet for the Armenian community in Russia, aimed at fostering negative sentiments towards Nikol Pashinyan and positive sentiments towards pro-Russian forces. By 2026, it will operate as a licensed media outlet with an active presence on social networks.
• The Diaspora Speaks: A pan-Armenian media platform targeting Armenian communities in France, the USA, Lebanon, and other countries. It promotes the necessity of allied relations with Russia while emphasizing the threats emanating from the West and Turkey.

Read more on the original source.