Breaking
Speaking at a dinner with Republican Senators at the White House on July 18, U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted America’s global leadership in diplomacy, specifically referencing the South Caucasus:
“Armenia and Azerbaijan… we worked magic there, and it is pretty close. If not, it is already done.”
Trump framed the statement within broader U.S. successes in “stopping wars” around the world.
Pallone, 86 Armenian Caucus Members Urge Strong American Support for a Right to Return for Armenians to Nagorno-Karabakh
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (D-FL), David Valadao (D-CA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA) and 83 additional bipartisan members sent a letter today to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to secure the collective, protected, and dignified return of forcibly displaced Armenians to their indigenous homeland of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of any negotiated peace deal in the South Caucasus.
- Supports the right of return as a matter of international law, referencing the December 2023 International Court of Justice order compelling Azerbaijan to guarantee a safe and secure return for displaced Armenians.
- Emphasizes that any lasting peace agreement must include the release of all Armenian POWs and civilian detainees, currently held in Azerbaijan in violation of international obligations.
- Urges the United States to engage with international partners and multilateral institutions to develop mechanisms ensuring a voluntary, dignified, and internationally guaranteed return for displaced Armenians.
- Endorses the Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno-Karabakh, a parliamentary measure calling for the establishment of an international platform to mediate a just and secure return process.
- Warns against further escalatory actions by Azerbaijan, highlighting the importance of continued U.S. engagement to deter aggression and support regional stability.
- Recalls previous U.S. diplomatic commitments, including statements by Assistant Secretary Jim O’Brien, who affirmed that Armenians who fled Nagorno-Karabakh must be allowed to return safely, with their rights and security protected.
Belgian Parliament Condemns Azerbaijan’s Ethnic Cleansing, Demands POW Release and Sanctions
On July 17, 2025, Belgium’s Chamber of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s military assaults on Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and 2023.
- Condemns Azerbaijan’s military aggression in 2020 and 2023 as serious violations of international law, contributing to the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Calls for international efforts to guarantee the right of return for displaced Artsakh Armenians, in line with the ICJ’s November 17, 2023 ruling.
- Demands the release of all Armenian POWs and hostages.
- Urges Azerbaijan to respect Armenian cultural, religious, and historical heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh, in line with UNESCO standards and international obligations.
- Presses for Azerbaijan to authorise the long-delayed UNESCO mission to Nagorno- Karabakh (pending since December 2020).
- Requests that Azerbaijan allow a team of independent medical professionals, under EU or UN supervision, to examine Armenian detainees in Baku.
- Demands the withdrawal of all (para)military forces from sovereign Armenian territory.
- Calls on the Belgian government to impose sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for violations of international law.
Azerbaijan’s Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and Genocidal Policy
Journalist’s Open-Source Investigation Reveals Azerbaijan Bulldozed Another District in Stepanakert
Azerbaijan has destroyed yet another district in occupied Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, razing multiple buildings and clearing historically significant urban areas. The demolitions align with earlier warnings from the UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights about a state-led campaign to eliminate all traces of Armenian heritage from the region.
Yes Theory’s Latest Video Spotlights Azerbaijan’s Authoritarianism, War with Armenia and Grotesque Trophy Park
Yes Theory, the influential travel YouTube channel with over 9.5 million subscribers, has released a new video titled “100 Hours in Europe’s Most Corrupt Country” that focuses on Azerbaijan’s political repression, its ongoing conflict with Armenia, and the stark contrast between state-led propaganda.
- Visits Baku’s infamous Trophy Park, which displays captured Armenian military equipment, rows of helmets from killed Armenian soldiers, and dehumanizing mannequins.
- Stands in sharp contrast to earlier PR content by influencers who portrayed Azerbaijan as peaceful and tolerant while ignoring its war crimes, ethnic cleansing of Armenians, and authoritarian rule.
- Refers to Azerbaijan as a dictatorship under Aliyev, who inherited power from his father in 2003. It highlights the country’s surveillance state, propaganda, and lack of civil liberties.
- The video’s release comes as Azerbaijan intensifies repression. Prominent peace activist and OC Media contributor Bahruz Samadov — who openly called for peace with Armenia — was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison on treason charges.
Photos of the Week
Ambassador Kvien hosted an Independence Day celebration in Ijevan, Armenia, bringing together community members, local leaders and friends.
Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.
Security
Armenia a “Long-Awaited Partner in the West,” Says PM Pashinyan
During a press conference, Prime Minister (PM) Nikol Pashinyan highlighted Armenia’s progress on a stable and resilient path since the 2018 Velvet Revolution, noting increasing international recognition and strategic partnerships — particularly with the West — alongside partners in the north, south, and east.
PM also mentioned Armenia’s growing international standing due to its balanced and principled foreign policy. Furthermore, he highlighted two major events Armenia will host in 2026:
- The European Political Community Summit
- The COP-17 Biodiversity Conference
Pashinyan: Armenia More Likely to Withdraw from CSTO Than Reactivate Membership
Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan and U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien Discuss Armenia-U.S. Relations and Regional Developments
Swiss MP: Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan Depends on International Pressure on Baku
IRI Poll Shows Armenians Continue to Focus on Security and Peace
A nationwide poll conducted by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) shows that security and peace are the top issues in Armenia, with national security and border issues cited as the top response by a plurality of respondents (35 percent) when asked what the main problems facing their country. “Security and peace are clearly the main issues on the minds of Armenians,” said Stephen Nix, Senior Director for Europe and Eurasia at IRI.
Armenia Declines to Extradite Russian Soldier Who Refused to Fight in Ukraine
Armenian police have prevented Russian military officials from seizing a former Russian soldier who fled the country after refusing to serve in Ukraine.
Economy
Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien Discuss Regional Connectivity and Bilateral Economic Relations
Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan met with U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien to discuss regional developments, including the potential unblocking of communications in the South Caucasus. The meeting also focused on prospects for enhancing economic ties between Armenia and the U.S.
Fitch Confirms Armenia’s Credit Rating, Citing Strong Economy but Warning of Risks
Fitch Ratings has kept Armenia’s credit rating at ‘BB-’ with a stable outlook. The decision reflects confidence in the country’s strong economic policies and steady growth, but also highlights concerns about rising financial and regional security risks.
Armenia’s Tourism Hits New Heights With 215K Visitors in One Month
Opinion
Armenia’s Changing Relationship With Russia
By Marina Ohanjanyan
- Armenia is distancing itself from Russia after Moscow supported Azerbaijani aggression
- Armenia is diversifying its foreign policy toward the EU and U.S. to reduce reliance on a single partner
- Armenia still depends on Russia—especially in trade, energy, and the economy—making it hard to make ‘either-or’ choices
- The EU can help Yerevan reduce its reliance on Russia by deepening cooperation in these areas
- Continued European backing for Armenia’s democratic development through incentives and conditionality is essential
Armenian Ambassador Emphasises Commitment to Balanced Diplomacy, EU Integration, and Lasting Peace in Interview
By Silvia Boltuc
In a recent in-depth interview, Armenia’s Ambassador to Italy, Vladimir Karapetyan, offered valuable insights into Armenia’s evolving foreign policy, regional security strategy, and its unwavering commitment to a peaceful resolution of conflicts.
- Reaffirms Armenia’s readiness to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, but stresses it must be free from artificial preconditions, such as constitutional amendments or abolishing the OSCE Minsk Group format without viable alternatives.
- Confirms suspension of Armenia’s participation in the CSTO, citing its failure to protect Armenia from Azerbaijani aggression.
- Notes deepening defense ties with France, India, Italy, and Germany as part of a new strategic outlook.
- Highlights Armenia’s growing partnership with the European Union, including official launch of the EU accession process, visa liberalisation efforts, and enhanced cooperation in security and reforms.
- Strongly condemns Azerbaijan’s “Western Azerbaijan” rhetoric as an unacceptable territorial claim over Armenian sovereign land—including Yerevan and Syunik.
- Advocates for regional peace based on mutual respect, border recognition, and diplomacy—not threats or aggression.