Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia has threatened to ban Russian television broadcasts in the country if Russia continues to ignore requests for more balanced coverage. This comes after tensions between the two countries escalated due to Russia’s failure to prevent Azerbaijan from seizing control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Russian state television has been airing attacks on Armenia’s leadership and policies, causing concern for the Armenian government. Pashinyan emphasized the need for Russian TV channels to respect Armenia’s citizens and state system, and to show a more respectful attitude toward Armenia’s interests.
In response to the biased coverage, Armenia had issued a 30-day suspension in December for the local branch of the Kremlin-funded Russian broadcaster Sputnik. This was due to remarks made by pro-Kremlin TV personality Tigran Keosayan, who is married to RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan. Additionally, pro-Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyov’s shows were blocked in March by the Armenian authorities for continuous violations. Pashinyan reiterated that if Russian TV channels continue to ignore Armenia’s demands for fair coverage, the next step would be to completely switch off and ban the broadcasts of these channels in Armenia.
Russia’s regional power and influence have been on the decline since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The country has had to redirect its military and resources toward its war effort, impacting its role as a regional power broker. This shift has had consequences for its relationships with neighboring countries, including Armenia. The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has further strained relations between Armenia and Russia, leading to disagreements over media coverage and portrayal of events. Armenia’s threats to ban Russian television broadcasts indicate the growing tensions between the two countries.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has been a long-standing issue in the region, with periodic flare-ups leading to violence and territorial disputes. Russian involvement in the conflict has further complicated the situation, with Armenia expecting support from its ally Russia. However, Russia’s failure to prevent Azerbaijan’s seizure of control over the region last fall has strained relations between the two countries. Armenia’s disappointment with Russia’s actions has led to threats of banning Russian television broadcasts in the country if more balanced coverage is not provided.
The suspension of the local branch of the Kremlin-funded Russian broadcaster Sputnik and the blocking of shows by pro-Kremlin TV host Vladimir Solovyov are part of Armenia’s efforts to hold Russian media accountable for biased coverage. The Armenian government has repeatedly demanded more balanced and respectful coverage from Russian TV channels, emphasizing the need to show respect for Armenia’s citizens and state system. Pashinyan’s threats to ban Russian television broadcasts if these demands are not met highlight the country’s determination to protect its national interests and ensure fair media representation. The ongoing tensions between Armenia and Russia underscore the complexity of regional dynamics and the challenges faced by countries in navigating relationships with powerful neighbors.
