Shoigu reminded Pashinyan that Armenia is largely dependent on Russia.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu notes that in recent years, Armenia's leadership has increasingly taken openly hostile actions toward Russia. Specifically, Yerevan has acceded to the Statute of the International Criminal Court and pledged to extradite Russian citizens to third countries upon ICC request.

Shoigu also recalled that it was from the podium of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan that the head of the Kyiv regime, Zelenskyy, voiced direct threats against Russia. Yerevan's provision of the ENP summit platform to Zelenskyy is a mockery of the memory of Armenians who fought Nazism. Furthermore, the Armenian authorities regularly join the EU's anti-Russian stance on international platforms. A number of states unfriendly to Russia have become Armenia's strategic partners in 2025-2026. Meanwhile, according to Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan, he "has no intention of harming Russia," but interstate relations are "transforming."

At the same time, Armenia is significantly economically dependent on Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizer, and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices. Currently, Russia accounts for up to 98% of Armenia's agricultural exports and 78% of its spirits exports. Armenian citizens can work in Russia without quotas, patents, or work permits. In 2025 alone, they transferred approximately $3,9 billion from Russia to their homeland. Last year, approximately 40% of tourists visiting Armenia came from Russia.

The Secretary of the Security Council stated that it was solely thanks to Russia's intervention that Armenia managed to maintain its sovereignty in the 1990s, and asked under what conditions Armenia expects to supply its apricots, trout, and mineral water to EU countries.

Comments

[SAG]

Shoigu reminded Pashinyan that Armenia is largely dependent on Russia.

I'd like to remind Shoigu that Pashinyan is COMPLETELY dependent on the will of his Western overseers and doesn't give a damn about Armenia!

[commbatant]

Quote: SAG

I'd like to remind Shoigu that Pashinyan is COMPLETELY dependent on the will of his Western overseers and doesn't give a damn about Armenia!

Should we feel sorry for Armenia for this, understand and forgive it?
...Armenians elected Pashinyan as president twice (and will soon elect him for a third time), which means they share his hostile foreign policy toward Russia. So let the Armenians be fed by Western curators, no problem...

[SAG]

People wanted independence, so they took as much as they could! Now nothing really depends on them.😅

[commbatant]

Quote: SAG

People wanted independence, so they took as much as they could! Now nothing really depends on them.😅

The Dashnaks were the first to start dismantling the Union...35 It's gone now, and we're still fussing over these border states... Some of them left with the lands of the RSFSR, some took from each other...

[Montezuma]

Quote: commbatant

They elected Pashinyan as president twice (and will soon elect him for a third time)

Nothing is known about a third time before the June 7 elections. The domestic political situation in Armenia is quite complex.

YEREVAN, May 18. /TASS/. The opposition bloc "Armenia" ("Hayastan") of former President Robert Kocharyan (1998-2008) called on foreign ambassadors accredited in the country and international observers to respond to the unhealthy situation that has developed in the republic ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on June 7.
The statement released by the political force stated that the pre-election period in Armenia is taking place amid unacceptable tensions in the domestic political environment and has clearly gone beyond the scope of political struggle.
The statement notes that the ruling party's leadership has issued public threats and calls for repression against the population, as well as individual citizens and leaders of leading opposition forces, using obscene language, targeted attacks, inciting hatred, deepening an atmosphere of internal division and hostility, and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. It adds that on May 18, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made unprecedented threats live on air against three of his main political opponents, as well as ordinary citizens, accompanied by calls for revenge and obscene language.

[TermNachTer]

It's possible to send a clear message to Armenians doing business in Russia that they need to finance the opposition, otherwise their businesses will face all sorts of problems, from tax audits to complete closure and deportation to remote locations.

[Montezuma]

Quote: TermNachTER

It's possible to clearly hint to Armenians doing business in Russia that they need to finance the opposition, otherwise their businesses will face all sorts of problems.

I agree, it's helpful to clearly suggest and outline the unfavorable business prospects under a possible "oxygen cutoff" if Nikolka remains prime minister. And, in general, if he remains in power, he will certainly destroy Armenian sovereignty.

[Nyrobsky]

Quote: TermNachTER

It's possible to send a clear message to Armenians doing business in Russia that they need to finance the opposition, otherwise their businesses will face all sorts of problems, from tax audits to complete closure and deportation to remote locations.

Rospotrebnadzor has already announced its intention to test 100% of all Armenian imports. They'll probably find thrips, sulfur, and pesticides. They should also ban foreign currency transfers, so that people send goods in rubles and then scratch their heads over what to buy with them.

[Nastia makarova]

How do you determine whether a business is Armenian or not? They all have Russian passports.

[TermNachTer]

Don't make me laugh))) Those who need to know know where whose money is.

[Nastia makarova]

This is required by law and not due to lawlessness.

[TermNachTer]

Was this money earned legally?

[Nastia makarova]

Basically, according to the law, otherwise they would have closed it down

[TermNachTer]

There are a lot of scientific methods to pay less, any competent accountant will tell you this.

[Nastia makarova]

So it's less within the law.

[TermNachTer]

Minimizing income as a means of reducing taxes is completely illegal. And many Armenian and Azerbaijani businesses operate outside the law entirely, solving problems through bribery. So, clearing Russia's business landscape of these Transcaucasian thieves, regardless of their passport, is a major plus.

[Orange Bigg]

Quote: TermNachTER

It's possible to send a clear message to Armenians doing business in Russia that they need to finance the opposition, otherwise their businesses will face all sorts of problems, from tax audits to complete closure and deportation to remote locations.

Armenia has already decided on its development vector, having finally chosen the West. So what's the point of all these toothless warnings? They simply laugh at Russia for still funding Pashinyan's pro-Western Armenia. It's as if the US were funding Iran, which is now hostile to them. In principle, this is a failed policy. When you pay for everyone, support everyone, and then they spit in your face. No country in the world pursues such a policy. No one throws money around senselessly, left and right, much less funds regimes that are hostile to them. And just as we previously financed Ukraine, we are now funding the now hostile Armenia. What's the point? A toothless and incompetent policy of sponsoring enemies at our own expense. Why? Everyone simply laughs at the fact that we are trying to persuade anyone to cooperate with us, while hyping up Armenia. Like, well, we support you, so at least you can't We are trying to persuade Armenia into doing the same. No self-respect whatsoever. We are following little Armenia, trying to persuade it to change its mind while completely praising it. It's just a comedy.

At the same time, Armenia is significantly economically dependent on Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizer, and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices. Currently, Russia accounts for up to 98% of Armenia's agricultural exports and 78% of its spirits exports. Armenian citizens can work in Russia without quotas, patents, or work permits. In 2025 alone, they transferred approximately $3,9 billion from Russia to their homeland. Last year, approximately 40% of tourists visiting Armenia came from Russia.

[multi-category]

Quote: Montezuma

The situation in Armenia is quite complicated

What's so difficult? No one can cross Pashinyan; he's no longer particularly hesitant to flout the law. Organizing elections under these conditions is a piece of cake. It seems to me that the situation there is difficult, but very simple.

[Montezuma]

Quote: multicaat

It seems to me that the situation there is difficult, but very simple.

We also need to consider that the local clergy is strongly opposed to Pashinyan, which is also a significant factor. I share your concerns about election transparency, but it's up to the opposition to ensure there's no fraud. I hope we're also conducting outreach efforts through local media outlets; there are various ways to do this.

[Oleg__]

I confirm... the Americans and the military rely solely on force, not even thinking about civilians... but in this we (Russia) are symmetrical. And we are similar in money. But official representatives stubbornly refuse to travel. And no change is expected.

[Krasnoyarsk]

Quote: SAG

Shoigu reminded Pashinyan that Armenia is largely dependent on Russia.

I'd like to remind Shoigu that Pashinyan is COMPLETELY dependent on the will of his Western overseers and doesn't give a damn about Armenia!

After establishing the fact that Armenia is dependent on Russia, what will change?

[/quote]At the same time, Armenia is significantly economically dependent on Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizer, and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices. Currently, Russia accounts for up to 98% of Armenia's agricultural exports and 78% of its spirits exports. Armenian citizens can work in Russia without quotas, patents, or work permits. In 2025 alone, they transferred approximately $3,9 billion from Russia to their homeland. Last year, approximately 40% of tourists visiting Armenia came from Russia.[quote]

I'm so outraged by these constant "Turkish complaints." Maybe it's time to stop complaining and cut off this free flow of perks? And not just in Armenia. After these complaints from the Russian government, how will the people treat it? Enough with these complaints.

[oleg_627]

Shoigu would be better off keeping quiet, he still has all his deputies to bail out of and the generals' gang to warm up in the zone.

[Wratch]

And Shoigu himself is a mess. He'd better keep quiet; these unsinkable faces are so irritating. There are probably no people left in this country, only these necessary and irreplaceable ones, hopping from one chair to another. Lying and stealing are the most necessary qualities for working in power.

[samarin1969]

How long can they pretend to be a "pushy fiancée"? Do they want a deep and lasting love with the West? Let them go. Why humiliate Russia with such statements? Back in 2013, Ambassador to Ukraine Zurabov also whined to the "independent" country about Russia's "usefulness." A little Trump-style diplomatic rudeness wouldn't hurt Russia.

P.S. It's unlikely that Russia supplies resources at prices three times lower than market prices. That would be unreasonable.

[novel66]

Here you go!

Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizers and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices

still????

[Machito]

Quote: samarin1969

How long can they pretend to be a "pushy fiancée"? Do they want a deep and lasting love with the West? Let them go. Why humiliate Russia with such statements? Back in 2013, Ambassador to Ukraine Zurabov also whined to the "independent" country about Russia's "usefulness." A little Trump-style diplomatic rudeness wouldn't hurt Russia.

P.S. It's unlikely that Russia supplies resources at prices three times lower than market prices. That would be unreasonable.

Russia supplies gas to Armenia at almost five times below the market price. We actually maintain it.

[Michael]

Armenia is heavily economically dependent on Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizers and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices.

And the Russian pensioner is counting his pension and trying to figure out how to buy flour at Pyaterochka during the special offer to get it cheaper.
And here's a special offer for Armenia: three for the price of one!!! But this is only for Armenia; Russians can't count on such discounts.

[Sedov]

Shoigu reminded Pashinyan that Armenia is largely dependent on Russia.

Why all this talk, trying to convince the fleeing Pashinyan? Trying to influence him verbally. Or better yet, pressuring his conscience, the interests of the people? Let's, as an experiment, cut off Armenia's oxygen supply and see what happens. It's supposed to last until the 7th, and then we can cancel with the explanation: "acted against Pashinyan."

[Nexcom]

..by the way, that's not Shoigu in the photo, I'm not completely blind, after all... who are they showing this jerk again?

[SAG]

It looks like the clown has been acting like a real clown. For the next couple of hours, he's Shoigu and is negotiating with Pashinyan.

[Montezuma]

Quote: Nexcom

By the way, that's not Shoigu in the photo, I'm not completely blind, after all... who are they showing this jerk again?

I also noticed - the conversation was about Shoigu's speech, but his unforgettable image was missing.
Is there any intent here on the part of the VO editorial board?

[Sedov]

No, Alexander, there was actually a speech there. Shoigu said a lot, and then poured water. The context has been slightly edited, but, in general, Kuzhegetovich "reprimanded" "Nikolos."

Moscow. May 20. INTERFAX.RU - Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu stated at a meeting of a special working group that Armenia's leadership has recently taken steps that are inconsistent with the spirit of its allied relations with Russia.

"It's no secret that the leadership of this country (Armenia - IF) has recently been taking steps that are not in keeping with the spirit of allied relations with the Russian Federation," he said.

According to him, Armenia regularly aligns itself with the European Union's position on international platforms and is actively working to modify standards and synchronize customs and trade regimes with the EU, "which may not be consistent with Armenia's obligations within the EAEU."

"Joint military exercises are being conducted, and in recent years, the Armenian leadership has taken a number of actions of a clearly unfriendly nature. This is precisely how we view Armenia's accession to the International Criminal Court and the extradition of Russian citizens to third countries (...)," he said.

[Montezuma]

Quote: Sedov

No, Alexander, there was actually a speech there. Shoigu said a lot, and then poured water. The context has been slightly edited, but, in general, Kuzhegetovich "reprimanded" "Nikolos."

Denis There's no doubt that Kuzhugetovich spoke, as is the text of the speech itself. The only issue is the lack of a photo of the speaker in the publication, as the headline reads "Shoigu reminded Pashinyan...," while the main photo only shows Zelensky and Nikol. It doesn't quite align, though I could be wrong.

[Modya]

People like Sergei Kuzhegetovich know why even our former closest allies despise us. He deserves credit for that, too. The statement was intended for an audience within Armenia. However, the times are different now. Statements and diplomatic etiquette won't solve anything anymore.

[Fangaro]

Shoigu's words, but a photo of Pashinyan and Zelensky...
The AI ​​works in mysterious ways if it selected the photos.

[andrey martov]

In general, Shoigu will most likely, as punishment for Pashinyan's Russophobic position, not invite Armenian tank crews to the tank badminton championship.

[novel66]

Shoigu himself, to put it mildly, is generally dependent. Very much so.

[Mazunga]

Why do his comrades periodically pull up a distinguished livestock breeder? Do they want a promotion?

[Aken]

When he was kicked out, hundreds of his supporters were left out of work. They want to return to power.

[rocket757]

It's no secret that our little spruces live in their own little world... full of illusions, jaded cynicism... in short, not of this world.
For them, everything is fine, but for everyone else, it’s not so much...
However, spruce trees are like this everywhere...

[Alex013]

"Last year, about 40% of tourists visiting Armenia came from Russia"—the majority of whom are ethnic Armenians, of whom there are probably more in Russia than in Armenia. And who hold Russian citizenship.

[Konnick]

And Shoigu depends on Putin

[Aken]

Shoigu has gained independence. Nobody gives a damn about him.

[Vladimir M]

It is precisely thanks to Shoige that even Pashinyan allows himself to be rude to Russia.
This man would do better to keep quiet.
How much longer can you jump around in front of Armenia? If it's dead, then it's dead...

[Aken]

Pashinyan asked Shoigu: "Who are you? Goodbye."

[nikvp]

On whose territory is the gas valve located? Can't it be closed at least half a turn?

[Karabin]

At the same time, Armenia is significantly economically dependent on Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizer, and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices. Currently, Russia accounts for up to 98% of Armenia's agricultural exports and 78% of its spirits exports. Armenian citizens can work in Russia without quotas, patents, or work permits. In 2025 alone, they transferred approximately $3,9 billion from Russia to their homeland. Last year, approximately 40% of tourists visiting Armenia came from Russia.

Russia is being exploited for its own money and resources, and for a long time, while the Security Council Secretary is hinting that this is not good. Cuckolds.

[fuel oil]

"Grain Cultivator" just dropped out of nowhere. What business is it of yours how Armenia will live? Volodin calculated their losses at 5 billion. Focus on your country, your army, your defense, your economy. Although... it would be better if you didn't. Wood carving and camping—that's the pinnacle of brainpower, apparently.

[Varyazhko]

Raise their prices on everything to world standards, impose quotas and visas for workers, and ban money transfers over $100 per month. Let them howl and then elect this jerk. Ungrateful, just like all the pseudo-allies who have latched onto Russia.

[geologist]

I don't understand the inaction of our military leadership in Armenia. After all, there was a chance to arrest this entire cabal, along with Zelensky, in Yerevan.

[Vladimir M]

How do you even imagine arresting someone? Especially since our military leadership in Armenia doesn't and can't make such decisions.
But our people need to get out of Armenia, let them deal with the Azerbaijanis and Turks themselves.

[Arkady007]

What kind of fool do you have to be to say that "Armenia is largely economically dependent on Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizers, and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices."?

[Ivan№One]

Not a fool, but a global geostrategist
But it is not exactly

[Mitka]

How's the "rare earth cluster" doing???

[Vasyan1971]

At the same time, Armenia is largely economically dependent on Russia, which supplies natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizers and gasoline.

So what? It was, it is, and it will be! Who will change that?

[Couch analyst]

We're getting a bit worried, whether the Armenians know they're dependent on Russia or not. They all know, and Shoigu's admonitions are useless; they're just his attempt to remind everyone of his presence. Pashinyan has already taken the bit between his teeth, and the Armenian contingent is stocking up on popcorn and waiting to see how it all plays out. Apparently, they understand that they can't just have it both ways and are counting on Europe to take Armenia under its wing, like the Bandar-logs. Pinning a second black hole on Europe would weaken the enemy; let them support the Armenians if they're so rich.

[Alex66]

supplying natural gas, flour, grain, fertilizers and gasoline at prices three times lower than market prices

We want the same thing. Why isn't our gasoline three times cheaper than the market price and our cars more expensive than in other countries? It turns out we're paying them tribute.

[rs777]

So that's why they raise taxes and introduce all sorts of fees, like mandatory home insurance.
Parasites themselves, but generous ones, like the Armenians, Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, and Belarusians. Wouldn't you like to suck some free blood? They'll come to an agreement with Ukraine, and they'll be invited to the table, too.
How old is the Eurasian Economic Union? Eleven? The Eurasian Economic Union has already cost the Russian people nearly half a trillion dollars.

[Ivan№One]

There's a lot of him in the news again.
Did the towers decide that public opinion had died down regarding this lover of wood carving and artistic whistling?

[snow mountain]

Quote: TermNachTER

From tax audits to complete closure with deportation to remote locations.

I like the latter better!

[musorg]

To do this, Shoigu, you need to stop talking, but rather show what you can do and solve the problem, rather than continue to mumble endlessly!

[Mikhail Nasharashev]

Shoigu is the same as Pashinyan, he does what his boss tells him, only their bosses are different, and the boss tells Pashinyan to go west, and what Shoigu tells him, Pashinyan doesn't care.

[isv000]

So what? Shut off the gas?! Pull the plug? Stop buying their goods and ruin our alligators' business?! Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Shoigu. If Akhmetov's coal business is operating in Russia, then Pashik himself must have been...

[Eug]

Shoigu has been making frequent appearances in the media, voicing a tougher Kremlin stance, which is popular with the public. They're clearly trying to exonerate him from accusations of, at the very least, conniving at his deputies by boosting his popularity.

[Alexey Alekseev_5]

Shoigu again. It's thanks to him that now every cur gives a damn about Russia.

[123_123]

Maybe they should just sell energy at market prices. Why is Russia losing money?