Benyamin Poghosyan - Trump Ultimatum to Putin, Corridor Pressures, DC Summit, Kitchen Sink | Ep 457, Aug 3, 2025 [EP457]

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Guest:

• Benyamin Poghosyan

Topics:

• Trump Ultimatum to Putin
• US Sanctions effect on Armenia
• Turkey, US, and Armenia’s Territory
• The Kitchen Sink

Episode 457 | Recorded: August 3, 2025

Show Notes

Summary

In this Week in Review episode, we unpack the latest geopolitical maneuvers affecting Armenia—from the proposed Zangezur Corridor lease floated by the U.S., to the Trump ultimatum for a Ukraine ceasefire. We also examine the fallout from Azerbaijan’s decision to revoke ICRC access to Armenian POWs, and discuss the rising number of political prisoners inside Armenia itself. With regional tensions rising and domestic pressure mounting, is Armenia being squeezed from all sides?

Main Topics Addressed

• Zangezur Corridor and the US Lease Proposal

  • Turkish and Azerbaijani lobbying intensifies.
  • The U.S. reportedly proposes leasing the corridor for 99 years.
  • Conflicting responses from Armenia’s ruling party figures.

• Trump’s August 8 Ceasefire Ultimatum to Russia

  • Trump reportedly demands Russia end the war in Ukraine or face consequences.
  • Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, invoke nuclear threats.
  • The U.S. moves nuclear submarines into position.

• Implications of US Pressure on Armenia

  • Armenia’s energy dependence on Russia.
  • Risks from secondary sanctions if Trump returns and escalates pressure on Russia’s trade partners.

• International Response to Corridor Proposals

  • Fyodor Lukyanov’s comments: Zangezur is a low priority for Russia.
  • Potential blowback from Iran, India, and China if a western-backed corridor cuts through Armenia.
  • Iran’s mixed messages: from military drills to diplomatic overtures in Stepanakert.

• Trump’s Tariff and Sanctions Policy

  • How tariffs differ from secondary sanctions.
  • Armenia’s limited trade with the U.S. shields it from tariffs—but not sanctions.

Key Questions Discussed

• Could a rumored Pashinyan-Aliyev summit in Washington change the game on the Zangezur Corridor?
• Is the U.S. planning to insert itself deeper into South Caucasus logistics?
• If sanctions tighten under Trump, how exposed is Armenia’s economy?
• Why did Iran’s new president attend a summit in Stepanakert alongside Aliyev?
• Has Azerbaijan succeeded in silencing international scrutiny over POWs?
• Is the Armenian government pursuing justice or performing damage control in the Sona Mnatsakanyan case?
• Has Armenia fully entered the era of political imprisonment?

Thoughts from the Participants

• Benyamin: Geopolitics are turning the South Caucasus into another soap opera.
• Hovik: Our response to Scott Ritter’s denial of the Armenian Genocide: F*** Y** Ritter!!!

The Kitchen Sink

• Political Prisoners in Armenia
  • Armen Ashotyan “released” from house arrest.
  • Continued detention of tens of other political prisoners.
  • Expanding use of pretrial detention, house arrest, and administrative supervision.
  • Concerns about the growing authoritarian trend.
• ICRC Revocation and POW Situation
  • Azerbaijan reportedly strips ICRC of its ability to visit Armenian POWs and hostages.
  • The ICRC shuts down its mission in Baku in response.
  • The 2020 ceasefire’s all-for-all POW clause remains unfulfilled.
• Russia restricts Armenian flower imports, threatening a key export sector
  • Armenia is the second-largest flower exporter to Russia.
  • Russia cites sanitary issues and alleged third-country re-exports.
  • Armenian businesses face tens of millions in potential losses amid growing political strain.
• The Death of Sona Mnatsakanyan
  • Pashinyan convoy driver convicted after 3 years.
  • Audio evidence allegedly withheld or destroyed.
  • Possible scapegoating of a low-level driver to protect higher officials.
• Wildfires in Artsakh destroy Armenian cultural and religious sites
  • Fires have consumed orchards, monuments, and religious sites on the eastern front.
  • Artsakh officials suspect arson aimed at erasing Armenian heritage and accelerating Islamization.
  • Azerbaijani authorities show little effort to contain the damage; pro-government media remain silent.
• Armenia sacks consul in Russia for defending the Armenian Apostolic Church
  • Narek Spartakyan was removed after criticizing attacks on the Church.
  • Government official Vahakn Aleksanyan claimed consuls must not oppose official policy.
  • Highlights Pashinyan’s increasingly hostile stance toward Armenia’s national church.

Political Prisoners in Armenia

From Facebook posts from Garen Megerdichian’s Facebook post:

Referenced Articles & Sources

• Yerevan Again Signals Support For Third-Party Control Of Corridor For Azerbaijan
• Possible Pashinyan - Aliyev meeting in Washington D.C.
• ICRC Shuts Down Azerbaijan Mission
• Fyodor Lukyanov on Russia’s Corridor Priorities
• Ruben Vardanyan’s Lawyer: POWs Not in Peace Treaty
• Conviction of Pashinyan’s Convoy Driver
• Critical evidence in Sona Mnatsakanyan’s trial destoryed or withheld
• Russia has imposed restrictions on flower imports from Armenia
• Armenian Consul in Russia Fired for Defending Church
• Scott Ritter’s denial of the Armenian Genocide

Wrap-up

That’s our show! We hope you found it useful. Please find us on Social Media and follow us everywhere you get your Armenian news.

Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.

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