Real Armenian News

Jan 16

Armenian Opposition Accuses Turkey of Interfering in 2026 Elections

Armenia’s political opposition has strongly criticized recent comments by Turkey’s foreign minister, saying they amount to open interference in Armenia’s internal political life ahead of the country’s next parliamentary elections. The controversy began after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke at a news conference and addressed Armenia’s political situation alongside regional diplomacy. He spoke positively about the current Armenian government’s approach toward Turkey

Jan 16

“There Are No Plans to Evacuate Any Armenians From Iran,” Sinanyan Says

Armenian officials say they are unable to fully verify reports claiming that more than one Armenian was killed during the ongoing protests in Iran, citing serious communication barriers and a lack of reliable official confirmation. The protests, which have spread across several parts of Iran, have led to clashes, arrests, and reported deaths, raising concern among minority communities, including Iran’s long-established Armenian population. In recent days, questions were raise

Jan 15

Linda Euljekjian Arrives in Armenia After Husband’s Return From Azerbaijani Captivity

The wife of Lebanese-Armenian Vicken Euljekjian, who recently returned from Azerbaijani captivity, has arrived in Armenia. Linda Euljekjian landed at Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport. The arrival was covered on the ground by The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan, who was present at the airport to welcome Linda Euljekjian and report on her return. Linda appeared deeply emotional and overwhelmed upon her arrival in Armenia, speaking through tears as she shared her hap

Jan 15

Armenian Legal Center: Release of Four Armenian Detainees Does Not Erase Years of Illegal Detention or Ongoing Hostage-Taking by Azerbaijan

The Armenian Legal Center for Justice & Human Rights (ALC) welcomes the safe return to Armenia of Vagif Khachatryan, Vigen Euljekjian, Gevorg Sujyan, and Davit Davtyan, who were transferred today from Azerbaijani custody after enduring years of illegal, politically motivated, and inhumane detention. Their release brings relief to their families and communities—but it does not deliver justice, nor does it cure ongoing violations by Azerbaijan. These men were unlawfully held i

Jan 14

“I Am in Armenia, Which Means I Am Fine”: Freed POW Vagif Khachatryan Under Medical Care

One of the four Armenian citizens released from Azerbaijani captivity, 70-year-old Vagif Khachatryan, is currently undergoing medical examinations in Armenia and is waiting to reunite with his family. This information was shared by Armenia’s Minister of Health, Anahit Avanesyan, after she visited him and spoke to journalists who were waiting outside the hospital. The minister said that Khachatryan expressed relief after returning to Armenia. “He said, ‘I am in Armenia, which

Jan 14

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

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.

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

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

Jan 13

Coach Rafael Arutyunyan Inducted Into U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame

Rafael Arutyunyan, an Armenian born in Tbilisi and raised in Armenia, is a figure skating coach working in the United States and has been officially inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on January 9 in St. Louis during the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships. The U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors in the sport and is given to people who have made a major and lasting contribution to the developm

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

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

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

Jan 12

Contact Lost With Armenian Community in Iran as Protests and Violence Escalate

Armenian officials say they have lost contact with the Armenian community in Iran as protests and violence continue to spread across the country. Since last Friday, there has been no reliable information about the situation of Armenians living there, raising serious concern in Yerevan. The issue was addressed at a press conference by Armenia’s High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Zareh Sinanyan. He said that the Armenian side has been unable to reach compatriots in Iran an

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

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

Jan 9

‘I Want to Be by My Only Son’s Side’: Lebanese-Armenian POW’s Letter Leaves Family in Tears, Son Vows to Wait

After months without any direct contact, the family of Vicken Euljekjian, an Armenian-Lebanese civilian detained in Azerbaijan, has received a handwritten letter confirming that he is alive. The letter was addressed to his wife, Linda, and brought a powerful moment of relief after a long period of fear and uncertainty. For the family, the message ended months of silence and helped restore a personal connection that had been completely cut off. The letter confirmed not only hi

ARTSAKH

Jan 9

Armenian Families in Aleppo Trapped as Fighting Escalates Near Residential Areas

The security situation in Aleppo continues to deteriorate as clashes intensify and civilians remain caught between opposing forces. Members of the Armenian community, already reduced in number after years of conflict, are among those most affected due to their proximity to the areas of fighting. Anna Maria Ohanguzelian told The Armenian Report that she is not currently in Aleppo, but her family remains there and she has been in constant contact with them. According to her, th

Jan 7

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