Armenia went to the polls today under the shadow of Russian intimidation, with the UK throwing its weight behind the pro-Western government. For the people of Yerevan, the choice is not just about who leads them, but whether their country escapes the orbit of Moscow after decades of dependence. The vote comes amid heightened tensions with Russia, which has increased its military presence on Armenia's borders and ratcheted up economic pressure through energy threats.
The UK has pledged support for the current government's aspirations to align with European structures, a move that would reshape the regional balance of power. But for ordinary Armenians, the kitchen table concerns remain: will this election bring cheaper gas, better jobs, and an end to the shadow of conflict? The outcome could set a precedent for other former Soviet states caught between the Kremlin and the West.
