Armenia-Russia Trade Tensions: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told Vladimir Putin that Russia’s restrictions on Armenian-origin exports violate Armenia–Russia legal commitments and EAEU rules, urging concrete steps to lift the bans. EU Referendum Pushback: In the same calls, Pashinyan said any referendum on EU membership is “practically possible” only after Armenia submits an official EU application—while Putin stressed the need for a referendum “as soon as possible.” Energy Deal with Iran: Tehran and Yerevan agreed to set up a joint energy working group to expand gas-for-electricity cooperation and boost natural gas exports, with talks also covering possible refinery and other infrastructure projects. Economic Momentum: Armenia’s economy grew 7.9% in Jan–Jun 2026, led by construction (+24.5%) and industry (+10.8%), while agriculture fell (-11.9%) and trade turnover rose only slightly. Taxpayer Rankings: Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) reclaimed top taxpayer status, paying over AMD 41.7bn, as banking and gaming firms remained major contributors. Food and Border Friction: Rosselkhoznadzor blocked and destroyed Armenian roses shipped via Belarus over quarantine-document violations, and Russia continues tightening dairy and other product imports. COP17 Watch: Ahead of the UN biodiversity summit in Yerevan, reporting says construction waste linked to COP17 preparations is spilling into the Hrazdan Gorge, raising environmental concerns.