Armenian Catholicos and Pope Leo XIV Discuss Artsakh, POWs, and Church Unity at Vatican Meeting
Armenian Catholicos Aram I met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican for discussions on Christian unity, humanitarian issues, and regional conflicts.
The meeting included proposals on a unified Easter date, a shared commemoration for Christian martyrs, and the possible convening of a Third Vatican Council.
Aram I raised the issue of Armenian POWs and situation of Artsakh Armenians, emphasizing their right of return under international guarantees.
Aram I also highlighted the importance of protecting Armenian churches and cultural heritage in accordance with international law.
Leak Exposes Kremlin-Linked Information Warfare Campaigns Against Armenia
A leak of internal documents analyzed by Armenian fact-checkers alleges that Kremlin-linked structures carried out coordinated hybrid operations targeting Armenia, including disinformation campaigns, fake news websites, and influence activities aimed at shaping public opinion and political discourse.
Global ARM Featured in EVN Report: Expands Washington Influence Effort on Armenia-Azerbaijan Policy
By Gibran Caroline Boyce and Dawn Kikel
Global ARM is featured in the EVN Report for its intensified bipartisan advocacy in Washington, where it continues its efforts to promote stronger U.S.-Armenian ties.
Azerbaijan’s Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh
and Genocidal Policy
ICJ Report Finds Serious Fair Trial Violations in Baku Proceedings Against Artsakh Leaders
A new report by the International Commission of Jurists concludes that the trials of former Artsakh leaders in Baku failed to meet international fair trial standards, citing restricted access to legal counsel, closed proceedings, inadequate interpretation, and the use of military courts for civilian defendants. The report argues that the cases reflect broader structural problems within Azerbaijan’s justice system, including political pressure on lawyers and lack of judicial independence.
Ruben Vardanyan Nominated for 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize by International Human Rights Defenders
A group of prominent human rights defenders from multiple countries has nominated Armenian humanitarian Ruben Vardanyan for the 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize. The nominators cite his role in co-founding the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and his advocacy for human rights in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Former Karabakh Leader Davit Babayan Protests Trials From Azerbaijani Jail
Former Nagorno-Karabakh official Davit Babayan, who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan, has condemned his trial and the broader legal proceedings against Armenian detainees, calling them a “vendetta” and alleging widespread violations of international and domestic law.
More Armenian Parties Endorse Swiss Initiative on Return of Displaced Karabakh Armenians
Three additional Armenian political parties have endorsed the Swiss Peace Initiative for Nagorno-Karabakh. Representatives of the displaced Karabakh Armenian community continue to back the Swiss parliamentary proposal for an internationally supervised peace forum focused on safe and dignified return.
The U.S. Kansas National Guard and Armenian peacekeepers conducted joint training focused on operational planning, leadership, and peacekeeping readiness. Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Embassy Yerevan.
Until 14 June, a public exhibition at Mont des Arts in Brussels showcases a series of striking portraits exploring womanhood in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Photo Courtesy of the EU Neighbours East.
Justice and Rule of Law
Armenia’s Justice Ministry, U.S. Embassy Discuss Child Protection and Adoption Reforms
An Armenian Justice Ministry official met with representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan to discuss reforms in child protection and intercountry adoption. The talks focused on aligning Armenia’s legal framework with international standards, including the Hague Convention, improving transparency and efficiency in procedures, and strengthening cooperation between the two sides in the field of child welfare.
Grabbing him by the “Beard”: The Insider Identifies the FSB, GRU, and SVR Agents Russia Sent to Armenia to Take on PM Nikol Pashinyan
After recent failures in Moldova and Hungary, the Kremlin has redirected its resources towards Armenia, where parliamentary elections are scheduled for June 7. The Kremlin hopes to prevent incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party from winning after he pursued closer ties with the European Union and the United States.
What MEDİA Roundtable in Baku Revealed about ‘President’s Peace Strategy’
A media roundtable in Baku promoted President Ilham Aliyev’s “peace strategy” as a guarantor of stability, but the event has drawn scrutiny for functioning as a platform for state messaging rather than open media discussion.
Armenia Deepens Defense Ties with India While Pursuing Peace with Azerbaijan
Armenia aims to establish domestic manufacturing lines for Indian-made munitions, such as 155mm artillery shells and Pinaka rocket systems, to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains during potential conflicts.
Armenia and U.S. Explore Cooperation on Critical Minerals and Metals Sector
Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan met with Joshua Kroon, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce, to discuss cooperation in the extraction and processing of critical minerals and metals.
Armenian Ambassador Participates in U.S. Congress Event on Foster Care Policy
Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan participated as a special guest in a Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA) event at the U.S. Congress titled “Driving Policy in Action for the Good of Families.”
Ambassador Mkrtchyan Meets James Madison Institute Vice President Brian Hickey
Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan met with Brian Hickey, Vice President of Advancement at The James Madison Institute, to discuss the organization’s work and potential areas of cooperation. The talks focused on education initiatives, as well as possible joint research and dialogue on artificial intelligence, technology, and data centers.
Armenia and the EU: A Pause to Assess a Fast-Developing Path After the Yerevan EPC Summit
As cooperation deepens and domestic political debates intensify, Armenia’s EU trajectory is becoming more visible, but still uncertain, with key developments expected ahead of the June parliamentary elections.
How Can Turkey-Armenia Trade Easing Impact the South Caucasus Dynamics?
By Giuseppe Gagliano
Turkey’s decision to lift restrictions on direct trade declarations with Armenia marks a limited but symbolically significant shift after three decades of a closed border. The unresolved genocide dispute and Armenia’s security vulnerabilities remain major constraints on deeper normalisation.