A few days ago, leaflets with the letter “Z” – one of the Russian symbols of Russia’s armed offensive against Ukraine – appeared in Yerevan. Among them are slogans in support of the annexation of territories of several post-Soviet countries, several Ukrainian cities are listed, and occupied Crimea is also mentioned. This was first reported by users of the social network. According to at least one eyewitness, some of the pamphlets still haven’t been taken out. Currently, the Embassy of Ukraine in Armenia has not publicly commented on the presence of such postcards.
Leaflets in Armenian contain the slogan: “Crimea is Russia.” Donetsk is Russia. Luhansk is Russia. Mariupol is Russia. Zaporozhye is Russia. Kherson is Russia. Tiraspol is Russia. Tskhinvali is Russia. North Kazakhstan will be Russia. Kalakh (Nagorno-Karabakh – editor.) – let it be Russia.”
The leaflets appeared against the background of reports of Russia’s intention to hold so-called “referendums” in areas of Ukraine that are currently occupied by the Russian military, especially in the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions.
Social media users drew attention to the postcard’s good printing quality and the design made in the style of the United Russia party.
In addition, the postcard has the logo of the Armenian parliamentary bloc “Aystan” of the former President and former Prime Minister of Armenia. Robert Kocharian,
He is considered a politician close to the Kremlin. Kocharian’s critics say that the campaign with the leaflets in Yerevan is an attempt by pro-Russian forces to support Kocharian and demonstrate his agreement to the annexation of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.
The “Ayastan” block said it had nothing to do with the distribution of these pamphlets. Deputy of the parliamentary faction “Aystan” Gegam Manukyan Called it a new promotional stimulus.
“The organisation, the printing, the quality of the printing, the use of symbols of the Hayastan bloc – it was all a very well organized provocation, a provocation against the Hayastán bloc, the Hayastán parliamentary bloc and the opposition,” Manukyan said.
Manukyan did not want to talk about the contents of the leaflet, saying that such provocateurs would achieve their goal and involve representatives of the bloc with a false agenda.
“The foolishness was written, I believe, these days are attempts to provoke the domestic political life of Armenia in general and, in relation to the situation in relation to the Russian Federation, to Russian peacekeepers in these geopolitical events. With the aim of attracting a false agenda and also targeting the opposition – emphasized Gegham Manukyan.
Since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Official Yerevan has not expressed a clear position or support for one of the parties, repeatedly emphasizing that it is in favor of resolving problems through peaceful diplomatic means. . The opposition also refrained from giving a specific assessment of the war waged by Russia against Ukraine.
Who is behind the distribution of pamphlets? Generally the opposition does not think it right to express their doubts in public. At this stage, he collected the found leaflets on his own and is waiting for the response of law enforcement agencies.
“While no law enforcement officer was interested, I think it would be logical for them to be interested, as it is about the largest opposition parliamentary faction, this organization of such provocation in such a serious and tense atmosphere.” The National Security Service should be concerned about such a dangerous provocation.” – said opposition deputy Gegham Manukyan.
On request in the press service of the police Armenian service of Radio Liberty ,“Radio Azatutune”) stated that no official appeal had been received in respect of this matter, hence no action is being taken in this regard at present.
Representatives of the ruling faction did not want to comment on the presence of pamphlets distributed on the streets of Yerevan, along with the slogan “Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh – editor.) – let Russia be”, implied in them.
Meanwhile, pro-Russian activists and bloggers accused Ukraine’s special services of distributing pamphlets.
Eyewitnesses also note that leaflets are pasted in the center of the Armenian capital.
Following the recent explosion at the “Surmala” shopping complex in Yerevan, security measures have been beefed up, reinforced police units patrolling the city, but there have been no reports of possible arrests of such pamphlets.