Armenia changing due to Russian influx

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 02 Oct 2022 by Alex Teddy

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Tens of thousands of Russians have fled to Armenia following the mobilization of 300,000 reservists on September 21. One-way air tickets from Moscow to Yerevan now top USD 2,000, several times the usual price. Some have paid over USD 5,000. There are over 20 flights a day from Russia to Yerevan, and every seat is taken. Armenia is a former Soviet republic with a population of 3 million but the population is falling. There are over a million people in Russia with Armenian ancestry. But in many cases these Russian-Armenians are half or a quarter Armenian.  After Belarus, Armenia is the most pro-Russian country. It is in the CSTO and the EAEU with Russia. The Russian language is universally understood in Armenia. The arrival of tens of thousands of Russians is a mixed blessing for Armenia. It needs people, and the Russians bring money. Only affluent can afford to fly to Armenia, although some have come overland from Georgia. Russian immigrants mean that the hotel business is booming and landlords can rent out apartments at a much higher rent than normal. In March 2022 alone rents rose 20% YoY and they have risen again since. This has sparked resentment among Armenians who are being priced out of their own capital. Russians who have come to Armenia are often those who can work remotely such as IT specialists, accountants and translators. Russian immigrants have established bars, restaurants and schools. Armenia is much poorer than Russia. Therefore, the cost of living is much lower. Those who are coming are mostly men aged 18-35. But some have brought their wives and children. There are men over 35 arriving since a few over 35s have been drafted despite their age.  In Marc...