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Russia Disinfo Blitz Targets Armenian Vote

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Russia has launched an unprecedented disinformation blitz targeting Armenia's parliamentary elections, with Kremlin-linked groups flooding social media with false attacks against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The campaign includes fabricated corruption claims, conspiracy theories about attacking Russia, and even outrageous allegations of organ trafficking.

The disinformation operations involve sophisticated tactics familiar from Russian campaigns in Western democracies, including AI-generated content and fake news sites. Moscow's Social Design Agency has produced dozens of impersonation videos, while the Foundation to Battle Injustice has published articles seen millions of times. The intensity reflects Russia's priority in ousting Pashinyan, who has shifted Armenia toward Europe and away from traditional Russian influence.

Armenia's government has responded with EU support, establishing expert missions to combat Russian interference. Despite the disinformation assault, Pashinyan's party leads in polls, with President Trump's recent endorsement signaling the strategic importance of this former Soviet republic. The disinformation war represents Russia's attempt to maintain control over a country increasingly aligned with Western interests.