‘Get Out’: Anti‑Russia Protests Greet Matviyenko in Yerevan Amid Parliamentary Visit

On June 6, 2025, a delegation led by Valentina Matviyenko, chair of Russia’s Federation Council, arrived in Yerevan to hold high‑level parliamentary talks. Yet outside the National Assembly, pro‑Western activists staged passionate demonstrations chanting “Get out of Armenia,” “Traitors,” and “Murderers,” signaling deepening public unease with Russia.

Matviyenko’s arrival came shortly after the contentious visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in late May, which also triggered protests—though Lavrov stopped only at a wreath ceremony at Tsitsernakaberd.

The June visit aimed to reaffirm parliamentary and interregional ties, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

The Protests

Anti‑Russia Demonstrations: Led by Arman Babajanyan, head of the "For the Republic" party, protesters held signs accusing Russia of waging a “hybrid war,” demanding Matviyenko “think twice” before entering Armenia and chanting, “Armenia no longer considers Russia its ally.”

Counter‑Protests: A smaller pro‑Russian group opposing the demonstrators carried posters with slogans like “brotherly peoples” and “Armenia and Russia—eternal allies,” calling critics “Turkish agents” and defending strategic dependency on Russia.

Tensions: Verbal clashes erupted; police cordoned the area to prevent escalation. A brief confrontation occurred when police confiscated Babajanyan’s loudspeaker.

Matviyenko’s Visit & Official Dialogue

Commemorations: Matviyenko visited Yerevan’s Victory Park and Tsitsernakaberd; unlike Lavrov, she personally attended the memorial.

Meetings with Parliament & Political Elites: 

She met Speaker Alen Simonyan—who greeted her with flowers and affirmed renewed parliamentary dialogue. Simonyan warned that Russia’s 'hybrid war' via media influence could backfire, boosting public support for the current Armenian government ahead of 2026 elections.

They inaugurated the 39th Russian‑Armenian interparliamentary commission and the 10th interregional cooperation forum.

In a separate meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Matviyenko emphasized Russia’s commitment to “cooperation based on mutual respect”; Pashinyan reciprocated, affirming productive relations with President Putin.

Foreign Minister’s Comment: Ararat Mirzoyan described the relationship as “healthy and partnership‑based,” noting ongoing cooperation via the Eurasian Economic Union.

Analysis – Reactions & Implications

Political Division: The vocal protests underscore a growing fracture between pro‑Western and pro‑Russian sentiments in Armenia—amid broader moves toward EU accession and away from Russian alignment. Tigran Khzmalyan pointed out that though parliament voted months ago to start EU accession, no formal application has been submitted.

Diplomatic Tightrope: Armenian leaders are balancing engagement with Russia and responding to domestic demand for greater sovereignty and democratic orientation. Political scientist experts highlight this dynamic tug‑of‑war.

Security Concerns: With upcoming 2026 elections, Simonyan warned against intensified Russian media campaigns aiming to destabilize Armenia—potentially increasing support for the ruling coalition instead.

Matviyenko’s 5‑day visit reflects Armenia’s continuing, though increasingly contested, partnership with Russia. Official talks proclaimed cooperation and reconciliation, but the protests laid bare a rising public disquiet—one that domestic politicians and external powers must now navigate carefully. As Armenian political realignment toward the West grows, Russia’s role becomes more complex, and future engagements between the two countries may require more diplomatic tact and domestic responsiveness.