Russia has intensified covert efforts to undermine Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan ahead of Armenia’s June 7 election, fearing that his re-election would cement the country’s growing alignment with the West. According to Western intelligence and government officials, Moscow’s alleged activities include disinformation campaigns, support for pro-Russian candidates, and discussions about transporting large numbers of Russian-Armenians to Armenia to influence the vote. Officials also claim that Russian-linked networks have increased online efforts to discredit Pashinyan and bolster opposition figures such as Samvel Karapetyan, who denies any involvement with Russian support. Some Western officials have additionally raised concerns about threats to Pashinyan’s safety and say the United States has provided assistance to his security in recent years. Source: Reuters