Armenian Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan said Yerevan is ready to receive a new wave of Russians fleeing a possible mobilization. In an interview with TV Rain, he said authorities will not hinder entry and will not ask visitors about the purpose of their trip at the border — especially since Russians can enter Armenia without a foreign passport.
"To a Russian person I can say only one thing: 'Welcome to Armenia.' Here we love everyone, respect everyone. And they will return to Russia when it is convenient for them. Armenia will not hinder them in any way, and if needed — we will help," Simonyan said.
Meduza and other outlets have reported that a new mobilization wave in Russia could be announced after the September State Duma elections. The Kremlin calls these reports "information canards," but before the 2022 mobilization announcement authorities also denied such plans.
Statistics confirm a rise in arrivals. According to Crimea.Realities, in the first six months of 2026 about 417,000 Russians entered Armenia — more than a year earlier. From January to May, arrivals exceeded departures by 7,000 people. Demand for real estate in Yerevan has also grown: realtors note rental prices have risen by up to 50 percent.