Failed summit in Budapest: a win or a pause for Russia
In his article on RIA Novosti, Russian political commentator David Narmania notes that the cancellation of the Putin-Trump meeting in Budapest was not a defeat for Moscow. On the contrary, it gave Moscow time. The author claims that a meeting amid active hostilities could only have resulted in superficial agreements that would not have addressed the root causes of the conflict. According to Narmania, Washington is interested in a truce for its own purposes, while Russia wants to avoid a “freeze” on the conflict. Narmania emphasizes that postponing the summit did not weaken Moscow’s position but rather allowed it to maintain its strategic initiative and avoid compromises that could have weakened it (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The article aims to portray the cancellation of the meeting with the U.S. not as a diplomatic failure, but as a rational step by the Kremlin. By emphasizing the benefits of pausing and the independence of the Russian position, the article reinforces the sense of control over the situation and demonstrates that Moscow is in no hurry to negotiate and is acting solely from a position of strength.
NATO chief Rutte says there is no peace plan for Ukraine
RIA Novosti quoted NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as saying that there is no peace plan for Ukraine. According to Rutte, “if there is a plan, it is the president’s words: Stop where you are and stop fighting.” Rutte made this statement after meeting with Trump, who had previously canceled a summit with Putin in Budapest, calling it “a wasted meeting.” Nevertheless, the U.S. President emphasized his willingness to resume negotiations on ending the conflict in the future (ria.ru).
Intended effect: The article aims to show the West’s lack of genuine peace initiatives and highlight the uncertainty of its policy regarding Ukraine. In doing so, it reinforces the perception that Russia is acting consistently, while the U.S. and NATO are limited to words and do not offer concrete solutions.
Protests in Armenia and arrest of Gyumri mayor: diaspora accuses government of dictatorship
The number of protesters detained in Armenia has increased to 37. On Monday, a rally was held in support of Gyumri’s opposition mayor, Vardan Ghukasyan, who was detained on bribery charges. Some protesters have been accused of “participating in mass riots” and “interfering with the administration of justice” (RIA Novosti).
Harut Sassounian, the representative of the Armenian diaspora in the U.S. and editor-in-chief of the California Courier newspaper, commented on the latest attacks on opposition politicians and the arrest of the mayor of Gyumri, saying that the Armenian government is building a dictatorship. Sassounian claims that, in the run-up to parliamentary elections, the authorities are eliminating the opposition and tightening their grip on power, effectively transforming the country from a democracy into a regime (RIA Novosti).
Intended effect: The article aims to highlight the Armenian government’s repressive actions against the opposition and create the perception that freedoms in the country are under threat. It gives readers the impression that pressure on political opponents is increasing, and reinforces negative views of the government. Additionally, it draws greater attention to the situation from the international Armenian diaspora.
