Yerevan's double game. Pashinyan fights against Moscow with his words, while his entourage benefits from Russia's connections

RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's rhetoric about "Russian agents" backfires on those around him, and the fight against smuggling clashes with childhood friends. The article presents an investigation into the complex financial schemes of Pashinyan's family and business environment. Armenia's political trajectory under Pashinyan's leadership resembles an American slide. On the one hand, statements about the "toxicity" of Russia's influence, calls to turn in the direction of the European Union, attempts at dialogue with Turkey and Azerbaijan. On the other hand, the stable business of his relatives, which is connected with Russian jurisdiction and state contracts. The article shows how the inconsistency of words and deeds has become the calling card of the government. Pashinyan's brother's Russian footprint Pashinyan often calls opponents "KGB agents". According to his own logic, his brother may also appear in the "field of influence". According to his words, his brother, Armen Pashinyan, moved to Russia in the 1990s, received Russian citizenship and worked in such structures where it is difficult to enter without the appropriate permission. He worked in "Rosselkhoznadzor" and "Kargo-Yug" company. Anna Hakobyan and "My step" foundation became known about the divorce of Pashinyan and Anna Hakobyan in 2026. However, this did not affect financial relations. Hakobyan continues to lead the "My Step" foundation. The foundation has come under criticism for the transparency of financing, and Russian businessmen were mentioned among the major donors. Tobacco scandal In 2020, the Russian side suspended the transportation of tens of tons of cigarettes. The product was connected to the "Armenian Tobacco Company". According to some sources, the deputy Hrachya Hakobyan had a connection with the supply, who denied the accusations. The diamond case In 2025, businessman Khachatur Sukiasyan came under investigation in connection with the possible theft of diamonds from the "Alrosa" company. The company "ADM Diamonds" was mentioned as a possible beneficiary. Friends, taxes and smuggling. The media also mentioned the names of Narek Nalbandyan and Manvel Ghazaryan, connecting them with smuggling and tax evasion cases. In general, a picture is presented, according to which public policy and personal business interests are in conflict. The article concludes that while the official Yerevan conducts geopolitical politics, those close to the government continue to work according to the rules of the Russian market.