Zelensky Congratulates Armenia’s Pashinyan on Election Win

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, June 8, congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his election victory and urged the European Union to strengthen support for Armenia following the vote.

According to preliminary election results reported by AFP, Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party won 49.8% of the vote, comfortably ahead of the 23.3% secured by the Strong Armenia alliance led by Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

“Congratulations to Armenia on holding democratic and free elections, and to Nikol Pashinyan on his victory,” Zelensky wrote on X.

The Ukrainian president said the result represented “a victory of Armenia’s sovereignty, independence and right to live as you determine yourselves.”

European leaders welcome election result

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Pashinyan, praising Armenia’s democratic path and its growing partnership with the European Union.

“The spirit of the Velvet Revolution you led in 2018 is alive and well,” von der Leyen wrote on social media. “We deeply value our partnership with a democratic Armenia that is drawing ever closer to Europe.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas similarly welcomed the result, saying Armenians appeared to have voted for a “European future” despite what she described as significant Russian pressure.

“The votes are being counted, but it looks like now that Armenia’s people, although under heavy Russian pressure, still chose to have a European future,” Kallas said.

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EU Chief Hails Armenia PM’s Ruling Party Win

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan after preliminary results showed his party winning elections, praising closer EU ties and legacy of 2018 Velvet Revolution. Civil Contract won 49.8%, ahead of Samvel Karapetyan’s 23.3%. Kaja Kallas called it a “European future” vote despite Russian pressure.

Armenia continues westward shift

The election outcome strengthens Pashinyan’s position as he seeks to reduce Armenia’s dependence on Russia and deepen relations with the European Union and the United States.

After securing victory, Pashinyan pledged to continue Armenia’s rapprochement with the West while maintaining relations with Moscow.

Turnout reached 59%, according to Armenia’s Central Election Commission.

The vote took place amid tensions with Russia, which has criticized Armenia’s growing engagement with Western partners and its stated ambition to pursue eventual EU membership. Armenian officials have also accused “enemies of freedom” of supporting propaganda efforts ahead of the election.

Analysts say the result is likely to reinforce Armenia’s current foreign policy course and deepen cooperation with European institutions in the coming years.