Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, expressed hope that pro-Russian political forces in Armenia would be able to participate in the elections.

"We have very many friends in Armenia, very many. We know this. Many Armenians live in the Russian Federation. It can be counted in different ways. We consider it to be over 2 million people. Our Interior Ministry statistics say exactly that. And many political forces in Armenia are pro-Russian," Putin noted.

"Of course, I will tell you completely frankly — we have such a dialogue with you that we always speak honestly and directly — we would very much like all these political parties and politicians to be able to participate in this domestic political work during the elections," the Russian leader expressed.

The Russian head of state noted that "many of them are in places of detention, despite having a Russian passport." "This is your decision; we do not interfere. But in any case, we would like them all to be able to participate in this domestic political work," he added.