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United States Suspends Visa Processing for Armenia and 74 Other Countries
The United States has announced a suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of Armenia and 74 other countries, according to a report by Fox News citing sources within the U.S. State Department. The measure is set to take effect on January 21 and will remain in place for an indefinite period. The decision is based on an internal State Department memorandum instructing U.S. embassies and consulates to stop processing and issuing immigrant visas for applicants from th
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 14
Life-Sentenced Syrian Mercenaries from 44-Day War Transferred from Armenia to Syria
Armenia has transferred two Syrian citizens who were sentenced to life imprisonment for their role in the 44-day war to the Syrian Arab Republic. The transfer took place on January 13 through the territory of Turkey, according to Armenia’s Ministry of Justice. The individuals, Yousef Alabed al-Haji and Muhrab Muhammad al-Shkheri, were handed over to the competent authorities of Syria so that the enforcement of their life sentences can continue in their country of citizenship.
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 14
Azerbaijan Returns Four Armenian Prisoners to Armenia
Azerbaijan has returned four Armenian prisoners to Armenia, according to official statements from Armenian authorities. The transfer took place a short time ago at the Hakari Bridge, where representatives of Azerbaijan’s relevant state bodies handed over the detainees to representatives of the Republic of Armenia. The four individuals are now on Armenian territory. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed the development and named the returned prisoners as Gevorg Sujyan, Davi
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 14
Iranians in Yerevan Protest Deadly Crackdowns and Communication Blackouts at Home
Protests continue to spread among Iranians inside and outside the country as anger grows over reports of deadly crackdowns, mass arrests, executions, and a near-total shutdown of communication across Iran. In Yerevan, Armenia, Iranian citizens gathered near the Iranian Embassy to raise awareness of what they say is a humanitarian crisis unfolding in their homeland. The Armenian Report was present near the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan tonight, where protesters spoke openly about
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 13
Armenian Soldiers Pass by Azerbaijani Checkpoint at Sev Lake, Defense Minister Confirms
Armenian soldiers pass by an Azerbaijani checkpoint while advancing to a position near Sev Lake (Black Lake), Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan confirmed on Tuesday. He said that contrary to some media reports, Azerbaijani soldiers are not inspecting Armenian servicemen. “The situation relates to a position created in May 2021,” Papikyan explained. “Our soldiers pass by the Azerbaijani position. They do not check our soldiers. I confirm that this is not happening at th
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 13
Armenian Olympic Figure Skaters Denied UK Visas, Forced to Withdraw From European Championships
Figure skating pair Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin will not take part in the European Figure Skating Championship after failing to receive visas from the United Kingdom. The athletes represent Armenia and were preparing to travel for the competition, but the visa process was never completed. After the situation became public, The Armenian Report contacted the athletes to clarify what had happened. They confirmed that the main issue was the lack of any response from the B
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 13
Russian State TV Host Calls for Possible Military Action Against Armenia
A leading host on Russian state television has openly suggested that Russia could carry out a military intervention in Armenia, using language similar to that employed to justify the invasion of Ukraine. During a broadcast on Sunday, Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov spoke about Armenia in strongly hostile terms. He said that events in Armenia were more important to Russia than developments in other parts of the world. “For us, the developments in Armenia are far more painful
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 12
UFC Star Conor McGregor Commends Armenia’s Jesus Christ Statue Initiative
Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has drawn international attention to Armenia after publicly praising the country’s large-scale Jesus Christ statue project currently under construction on Mount Hatis. McGregor, a former UFC double champion, shared his views in a social media post published this week. In the post, he highlighted Armenia’s effort to build what has been presented as one of the tallest Jesus statues in the world. He described the project as impressive
The Armenian Report Team
Jan 12
“Winter Sports Are Treated Like Orphans”: Armenian Skiing Faces Crisis Before Olympics
The President of the Armenian Ski Federation, Gagik Sargsyan, has spoken in detail about the serious difficulties facing Armenian skiing as the country prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan. According to him, the federation is working without state support while dealing with long-standing structural and financial problems that continue to limit the development of winter sports in Armenia. “From the very beginning, unequal conditions are set between summer and wi
Armenian Ski Athletes Earned 2026 Olympic Spots Without Government Funding
The president of the Armenian Ski Federation has publicly confirmed that the federation will fully cover a fine issued to national team skier Mikayel Mikayelyan following a World Cup incident in Italy, voicing support for the athlete’s decision to cover the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition uniform. Gagik Sargsyan, president of the Armenian Ski Federation, said the federation stands behind Mikayelyan and will pay the fine in full once it is officially issued. “I welcome Mi
Armenian Skier Says Federation Will Cover Fine After Uniform Protest at World Cup Event
EXCLUSIVE: Italian event organizers have not yet finalized the amount of a fine issued to Armenian cross-country skier Mikayel Mikayelyan after he covered the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition uniform during a World Cup event in Italy, the athlete told The Armenian Report in an exclusive statement. Mikaelyan said the penalty was still under review by officials and that no official notice had yet been delivered. “I don't know yet how much my fine is, because the jury didn’t
Armenians Gather in Etchmiadzin for Christmas Eve as Church–State Tensions Grow
As it does every year, The Armenian Report began its first filming day of the year in Etchmiadzin, at the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, covering Christmas Eve. The holiday, celebrated on January 6 by the Armenian Church, brought thousands of believers to Etchmiadzin despite cold weather and growing political tension around the Church. Throughout the day, The Armenian Report spoke with people who gathered at the Mother See to take part in prayers, light candles,
Armenian Skier Fined at Tour de Ski for Covering the Word “Azerbaijan” on His Uniform
Armenian cross-country skier Mikael Mikaelyan was fined during the Tour de Ski tournament held in Italy after he covered the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition uniform. The incident took place at the start of the event and quickly drew attention within the international winter sports community. The situation is linked to a sponsorship agreement signed by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. The federation has a five-year contract with Azerbaijan’s State Tourism A
Interview With the Pair Skaters Who Will Represent Armenia at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Figure skaters Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin, who will represent Armenia at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, say their decision to compete under the Armenian flag carries deep personal meaning and a strong sense of responsibility. In an interview with The Armenian Report, the pair said they officially changed their sporting citizenship in 2024 – a significant step for Armenian winter sports. Akopova said her choice was driven by identity rather than convenience.
Armenian Servicemen Share Holiday Messages While Guarding the Country During New Year and Christmas
As the world welcomes the New Year and Armenians prepare to celebrate Armenian Christmas on January 6, the Defense Ministry of Armenia invited The Armenian Report to visit servicemen who are currently on duty, guarding the country during the holiday season. Journalist Ani Khachatryan met with soldiers serving far from their families, many of whom will spend the holidays in uniform rather than at home. During this visit, the servicemen shared personal reflections about service
The Armenian Report Team
Dec 31, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan’s First Fight in Armenia Ends in a Draw Against Shara Bullet Before Sold-Out Yerevan Crowd
A grappling fight took place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan, where Armenian mixed martial arts fighter Arman Tsarukyan faced Russian fighter Shara Bullet. The bout was part of the first Hype Fighting event and was held in the lightweight division. Arman Tsarukyan, who is ranked number one in the UFC lightweight rankings, competed in front of a home crowd for the first time in his career. The match lasted six minutes, and after the full time had
The Armenian Report Team
Dec 30, 2025
Exclusive: Shara “Bullet” Magomedov Draws UFC Belt on Back Brace for Arman Tsarukyan
The Armenian Report had the opportunity to speak exclusively with UFC fighters Arman Tsarukyan and Shara “Bullet” Magomedov ahead of a major press conference in Yerevan, as anticipation continues to grow around their upcoming matchup at a Hype FC event scheduled for December 30. During his interview with The Armenian Report before the press conference, Shara Bullet spoke about his visit to Armenia and described it as a new country he plans to “conquer.” He explained that this
The Armenian Report Team
Dec 29, 2025
Trump Recalls U.S. Ambassador to Armenia in Global Diplomatic Shake-Up
The United States ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, has reportedly been recalled from her post as part of a wider shake-up of American diplomatic leadership ordered by President Donald Trump. According to reports, she is among dozens of senior U.S. diplomats whose terms are being cut short as the new administration moves to reshape foreign policy leadership around the world. The Associated Press reported on Monday, citing two unnamed U.S. State Department officials, that
The Armenian Report Team
Dec 22, 2025
Armenian Adelia Petrosyan Dominates Russian Figure Skating Championship for Third Straight Title
Eighteen-year-old Armenian figure skater Adelia Petrosyan delivered a stunning performance at the Russian Figure Skating Championship in Saint Petersburg, strengthening her bid for a third straight national gold medal. Her skating was confident, clean, and powerful, clearly setting her apart from the rest of the field and placing her among the top figures in the sport today. Petrosyan, who is of Armenian heritage, showed full control in both the short program and the free ska
The Armenian Report Team
Dec 20, 2025
Thousands Gather at Holy Etchmiadzin as Church Faces Public Showdown Over Catholicos Karekin II
On December 18, thousands of people gathered at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia. The gathering followed a call by ten bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church who asked the public to join them and demand the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. Thousands of police officers were deployed at the Mother See to maintain order. Supporters of the Church and the ten bishops gathered in the courtyard of the Mother See. One side chanted the Catholicos’ name, sang church
The Armenian Report Team
Dec 18, 2025
