Russia as Armenia’s Only Savior: What Narratives are Circulated by Pro-Russian Channels

In recent years, as Armenia explored diversification of its energy partnerships and considered opportunities like renovation or replacement Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, Russian and pro-Russian media have increasingly focused on this issue. In these outlets, Armenia’s energy dependence on Russia is presented as vital for national security and economic well-being, while Western involvement is portrayed as destabilizing, unreliable, or dangerous. Furthermore, these platforms frequently claim that the West is lobbying to close the Metsamor NPP.

The Fact Investigation Platform (FIP.am) conducted monitoring to determine what narratives dominated on Telegram’s social networks between November 30, 2024, and February 28, 2025. During this period, notable developments occurred in U.S.-Armenia relations as Armenia and the United States signed the Charter on Strategic Partnership. Certain Russian outlets viewed this step as threatening — for example, as a deterioration of relations with Russia. (“Drawbacks and Threats for Armenia in the Context of Signing the Charter” / Миротворец/ 9.9K).

The Armenian leadership’s growing closeness with the West has led to threatening statements on Russian Telegram channels. For example: “Moscow’s patience is not endless. If the current political course does not change, the consequences for Armenia will be serious — ranging from economic sanctions to political isolation.” (Цицак/ 8.2K).

A central topic of discussion or narrative during this period was Armenia’s energy dependence on Russia.

Russian and pro-Russian sources portray Armenia’s energy situation as unstable. They emphasize its dependence on Russian resources and technologies while also highlighting efforts by Armenia to diversify its energy partnerships toward the West. These sources insist that “Armenia distancing itself from Russia could lead to economic, energy, and consequently, political instability.”

Common narratives about Armenia’s energy infrastructure modernization with U.S. assistance include long-term risks, such as increased dependence on Western technologies and funding. (Source: “Strategic Partnership Between the U.S. and Armenia: Drawbacks and Threats” / Хроники Армении/ 13.6K).

“Armenia is losing Russia’s support”

Efforts to diversify partnerships with countries like Iran, the EU, and the U.S. are framed as risky or unrealistic by pro-Russian sources. These outlets warn of economic and security consequences should Armenia continue its pivot toward the West. Geopolitical risks, such as strained relations with Russia or Azerbaijan, are frequently emphasized. Examples include:

• “Russia is leaving the region.” (Параллель Z / 1.2K, Товарищ генерал)
• “Integration with the West always leads to civil war or loss of territory.” (Alpha News/ 31.1K)
• “Russia may increase pressure through the energy sector.” (Миротворец/ 9.9K)
• “Russia continues to participate in Armenia’s development despite geopolitical imbalance created by Pashinyan.” (Цицак/ 1.9K)

Armenia’s energy security is guaranteed by Russia: key narratives

Pro-Russian Telegram channels emphasize that Armenia’s energy infrastructure — including the natural gas and nuclear energy sectors — remains secure only through close cooperation with Russia. They cite the low price of Russian gas – $165 per cubic meter- as evidence of Russia’s benevolence and strategic partnership (Sputnik Армения and Цицак).

Claims also suggest that abandoning Russian support could push Armenia into energy instability and dependence on Western technologies (Цицак | ԾԻԾԱԿ/2.0K). For example:

• “Russia maintains low gas prices for Armenian consumers, showing unmatched patience.” (Параллель Z)

Reports claim the closure of Metsamor is being pushed by the West to weaken Russia’s influence in Armenia (Моя Родина – Арцах/1.9K).

• “The station’s operation depends on Rosatom” (Хроники Армении/1.7K).
• “Rosatom offers a complete cycle of fuel supply” (Хроники Армении/1.7K).
• West pressures Metsamor’s closure for geopolitical gains.
• “The EU wants to close the Russian nuclear power plant” (Армянская вендетта/40.4K).
• “The US refused to give security guarantees to Armenia” (Citation: Цицак | ԾԻԾԱԿ).

Reports highlight the potential risks of Armenia’s closer alignment with Western energy models. The closure or renovation of the Metsamor NPP is often framed as a Western-imposed agenda, not a domestic or safety-driven initiative.

Russian media argue that Western alternatives — such as small modular reactors proposed by the U.S. – are vague and untested. They say: Western nuclear technology is unproven and risky.

• “Western modular stations lack experience.” (Арцах 44 և/1.9K)
• ” American side offers incomprehensible modular nuclear installations” (Цицак | ԾԻԾԱԿ/2K).
• “Territory of Armenia will be stuffed with radioactive bombs” (Citation: Внешный Враг/10.4K)

Thus, key narratives are as follows:

• Russia leverages energy dominance politically.
  Armenia’s EU integration threatens energy security.
• The West is the main threat to Armenia in all areas, including the energy sector
• Russia is portrayed as Armenia’s only savior
• Armenian authorities are portrayed as puppets of foreign powers

Actors

The energy programs of the Armenian government—particularly its cooperation with the West in this sector—have become a central focus of the Russian state-run “Foundation for the Development of Strategic Culture,” which regularly addresses Armenia’s energy developments through its Telegram channel @fsk_today, with around 63,000 subscribers.

The foundation presents itself as a platform for expert articles and research on global issues. However, in reality, it operates as a propaganda outlet targeting the West. It is notable for publishing propagandistic narratives and biased analyses on a range of topics.

As for developments in Armenia’s energy sector, as previously mentioned, the issue is a constant subject of interest on this platform. FIP.am’s monitoring revealed that the foundation and its Telegram channel are the primary source of propagandistic narratives and their dissemination concerning Armenia’s energy cooperation with the West.

It is also noteworthy that several pro-Russian figures and Telegram channels regularly share the foundation’s posts, both on Armenia’s energy sector and on internal and external political issues. Among them is Arman Abovyan, a member of the Prosperous Armenia Party and a known disseminator of pro-Russian propaganda in Armenia. He is one of the most active promoters of the foundation’s content.

Some of the most prominent Russian-language Telegram channels that consistently criticize Armenian authorities—especially regarding energy cooperation with the West—and promote pro-Russian propaganda include: Параллель Z,  Моя Родина – Арцах,  Хроники Армении, Цицак, Ереванский наблюдатель, etc.

These Russian-language channels consistently promote conspiracy theories not only about energy cooperation between Armenia and the West but also about other topics—for instance, spreading disinformation about the supposed operation of so-called “biolaboratories” in Armenia.

On both energy and other topics, these channels adhere closely to the Russian propaganda discourse, in which the West is portrayed as a destabilizing force in the region.

Armen Manvelyan, who poses himself as an expert on energy issues (1,2,3,4,5), is also one of the people spreading Russian propaganda theses on the media platform. He is a member of the pro-Russian “HayaKve” political initiative, which promotes Armenia’s loyalty to the Kremlin.

Manipulative Techniques Used in Pro-Russian Messaging

Pro-Russian media and social platforms use manipulative techniques in publications about the energy sector. Firstly, they invoke anxiety over possible hardships like energy shortages and cost spikes if Armenia distances itself from Russia (fearmongering). Secondly, Western proposals for energy diversification are painted as unrealistic or technically flawed. In addition, repeated emphasis on Russia’s financial generosity (e.g., investment in education and infrastructure) creates a narrative of dependence and gratitude.

These platforms construct a strategic communication ecosystem designed to reinforce Armenia’s reliance on Russian energy and political alignment. By portraying the Metsamor NPP as a symbol of Russia-backed stability and Western alternatives as threats, these narratives seek to discourage Armenia’s westward pivot in energy policy and maintain Russian influence in the South Caucasus.

The social media posts reflect a narrative of Armenia grappling with its energy security, caught between Russia and the West, with concerns about energy dependence and potential economic consequences.

Hasmik Hambardzumyan

Nane Manasyan