External Instruction to Armenian Voters: Russia Explicitly Issues Threats

Moscow hopes that Armenian society will prevent anyone from drawing its country into confrontation with Russia in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin. From the perspective of international law and diplomatic ethics, a foreign official's mention of a sovereign state's internal electoral processes and expressing 'hopes' regarding their outcome constitutes interference.

Moscow is bypassing the official authorities of Armenia and addressing the public directly. This is a classic example of 'people’s diplomacy' or, more accurately, a tool for public pressure. Moreover, the use of the term 'confrontation' is not coincidental. In diplomatic language, it is a rather harsh and threatening term. Moscow seeks to awaken security fears within Armenian society. The message is that the deterioration of relations with Russia could have not only economic or political, but also security consequences. It is worth noting that the Kremlin is attempting to turn the upcoming elections into a geopolitical choice of 'with or against Russia' concerning Armenia's internal affairs.