Armenia's June Vote Tests U.S. Backing Against Moscow's Grip

Armenia heads to June 7 parliamentary elections with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan seeking a third term as the United States signals strong support, even as Russia threatens consequences and maintains leverage; analysts expect a Civil Contract victory that could accelerate a peace deal with Azerbaijan if Pashinyan wins big, while a smaller win risks stagnation and continued Moscow dependency, given Armenia's energy, transport, and defense ties that Moscow has sought to preserve even as the country diversifies with a US-backed nuclear project.