2022 March 2

Daily news wrap-up

News - Mar/2/2022: New blood in army leadership __ Ukraine war & its impact __ North-South-East-West railway profitability __ Two courts, two verdicts __ Paternity leave for fathers __ iTraitor __ Egg wars __ Russia's migration law __ Mask requirement dropped __ Dirty cop busted __ Doing business
by ar_david_hh

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Welcome back. This is your 14-minute Wednesday digest in 3649 words.

today in history

1931: Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev is born

1933: movie King Kong is premiered

1956: Marocco gains independence from France

1992: Armenia joins the UN

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076862.html

COVID stats

4020 tested, 342 infected, 755 healed, 15 deaths, 6717 active.

indoor masks are no longer required

Healthcare Ministry says the infections are dropping (-69%) so it's time to make the masks optional. They are still required in medical facilities.

[1](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076877.html) [2](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076912.html)

update: Russia eases the entry regulations for migrant workers

You may recall the new 2022 requirements about migrant workers having to submit fingerprints and undergo medical tests. Russia has decided it was too strict and will amend it beginning March 1.

Armenian Migration Center: Foreign nationals entering Russia for work must submit fingerprints, photos, and undergo medical exams. The requirements have since been eased in 3 areas:

1) Medical examination checks the presence of narcotics, HIV, tuberculosis, etc. COVID tests will no longer be necessary.

2) Under the old rules, anyone above the age of 7 had to take the drug test. 13 is the new age limit.

3) The medical documents will be valid for 12 months instead of 3.

Who is required to go through this process?

1) If you declare "work" as the reason for your visit. You have to take the tests within 30 calendar days from the date of entry into Russia.

2) If you visit Russia for non-work reasons and plan to stay there over 90 days.

Who is exempt?

Travelers who stay for less than 90 days, temporary/permanent residence permit holders (РВП), little kids, officials working in international orgs, foreign diplomats.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076893.html

AREV tech education program is launched in Sevan (Gegharkunik)

French Grenoble and Armenian Sevan are sister cities. As part of their cooperation, funded by the Swiss KASA humanitarian foundation, a 5-week-long tech education program launched in Sevan today to assist the residents with career change and employment.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076904.html

Economic Competition Commission responds to poultry factory's complaint against a competitor

[On February 15](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/stcvk4/news_feb152022_kochayrans_bribery_trial_reaches/) we learned that an egg producer was struggling (and later suspended operations) after the egg prices dropped to ֏35. They accused a specific company of "dumping" practices to manipulate the market.

Competition Commission: An economic entity is considered to have a dominant position if its sales volume is >33.3% of the market. PROJECT INTER-INVEST, the company that was accused of dumping, has only 5% of the market share.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076934.html

recent law about [paternal leave for fathers](https://jam-news.net/armenia-men-can-take-paternity-leave/) boosts Armenia's score in World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law report

>Armenia has significantly improved its position in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law report, having scored 87.5 points, up from 82.5 points in the previous report.

The improvement was due to the introduction of paternal leave for fathers.

Only Baltic states and Georgia are ahead of Armenia in the post-Soviet area.

Armenia has the highest 100 points in 5 out of 8 areas: mobility, marriage, parenthood, assets, and pensions.

[1](http://arka.am/en/news/society/armenia_improves_its_position_in_world_bank_s_women_business_and_the_law_report/) [2](https://jam-news.net/armenia-men-can-take-paternity-leave/)

two courts, two verdicts

State vs Kocharyan. The former president is accused of a [multi-million dollar bribery scheme](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/stcvk4/news_feb152022_kochayrans_bribery_trial_reaches/) involving a mining company. The final verdict is approaching. Kocharyan attempted to escalate the case to the Constitutional Court to challenge one of the laws, claiming he "doesn't understand" what he is accused of and that, at the same time, the prosecutors "aren't required to explain him". The Lower court has decided not to escalate it to the top court. Kocharyan can challenge this verdict.

Tovmasyan vs Pashinyan. Pashinyan had earlier claimed that after becoming prime minister, the Constitutional Court president Hrayr Tovmasyan "offered services" to him. Tovmasyan found it defamatory and sued him. The judge ruled that Pashinyan has to retract the claim but an apology won't be required. Pashinyan can challenge this verdict.

https://factor.am/482148.html https://factor.am/482256.html

Defense Minister Papikyan about generational change in the military

PU MP: Big leadership changes are happening in the army command today. Is this your initiative, what is the reason, and don't you think it's risky?

MOD Papikyan: We are entering a period of very important reforms. It is necessary to promote the young blood who went through the war [a 45yo was recently appointed as deputy CoGS]. The army command system has the necessary tools to make decisions during a transitional period. Every worthy officer will have the opportunity to hold high positions without relying on nepotism. //

[1](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076923.html) [2](https://youtu.be/_mH3fABBAvE)

🍿🍿🍿 traitors 🍿🍿🍿

Some context: When Azerbaijan deployed its troops near the Syunik road last year, part of the road went under their control per Soviet-era maps. At the time, during a speech, Pashinyan referred to the areas controlled by Azerbaijan with their Azerbaijani names, to ensure they weren't confused with the Armenian-held parts. The opposition found the use of Azeri geographical names "treacherous".

The opposition and ruling factions exchanged jabs during a parliamentary session today. Pashinyan was accused of "giving 75% of Artsakh to the enemy and causing a wheat shortage".

Pashinyan: I have to say this since you decided to accuse me of giving away the lands. Your leaders negotiated for 20 years to hand over those territories. HD and PU alliances must officially make up their minds. Is it Sanasar [Armenian name] or Gubatlu [Azeri name]? If it's "Sanasar", why were you negotiating to give it away?

You negotiated around Madrid Principles about returning 7 regions to Azerbaijan. So tell me now, traitors, why were you giving away the homeland? So you could grow wheat crops on them afterward? Be honest.

If you do not officially confirm it's Sanasar and not Kubatli, the treason law that you were talking about earlier, must be used against your own leaders. Enough with coming here and shedding crocodile tears.

See how they quietly [returned the stolen $31 million](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/t4j3tk/mar12022_armenias_zangezur_copper_reserves_were/) and apologized. Are you the ones talking about Syunik today? [He is referring to yesterday's major anti-corruption bust. Former director of Syunik-based Zangezur copper combine is charged with using offshore schemes to embezzle 15 billion worth copper extracted in Armenia.] //

HD MP Seyran Ohanyan: The losses in Artsakh happened under your administration.

Pashinyan: Weren't you the one strengthening our frontlines with empty food cans [as an intrusion alarm mechanism due to lack of tech]? If it's "Sanasar", why were you negotiating to give it away? Know your place. I've had enough of this. //

The Parliament president urged the opposition and ruling MPs to remain silent in their seats to proceed with the session. The opposition members continued to speak and were sanctioned. They decided to leave the floor. While leaving, one of them pointed his finger towards the government bench and called them a "traitor". The ruling fraction began chanting back.

[1](https://factor.am/482371.html) [2](https://youtu.be/kYHSEB6JIMg) [3](https://youtu.be/S-Qq2s29N8M) [4](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076937.html) [5](https://youtu.be/jHK8rAf1FXQ?t=68) [6](https://factor.am/482363.html)

Parliament is electing a president, a figurehead with largely ceremonial duties

As a reminder, the ruling QP party nominated Vahagn Khachaturyan, the Minister of High-Tech & Industry. Opposition HD and PU complained about the candidate's "lack of impartiality". They decided not to nominate their candidate and not to vote because they don't have enough MPs to confirm their candidate. HD leader Robert Kocharyan had earlier suggested for the president to be someone from church.

Candidate Khachaturyan gave a speech about the efforts to develop the country, institutions, the need to become more competitive in the world, return the POWs, etc.

MP: Should Armenia attempt to normalize relations with TR/AZ?

Khachaturyan: Yes. We need normal relations with our neighbors. It is possible to live in peace. This will also help develop the country. Negotiations are better than flexing a muscle and getting into arguments. I support the government's efforts to establish an era of peace in the region.

[1](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076874.html) [2](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076876.html) [3](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076879.html) [4](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076886.html) [5](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076899.html)

the economic benefits of resuming the Armenia-Nakhijevan-Iran-Armenia-Azerbaijan railway

HD MP: Will the southern railway link be profitable? What cargo and passenger flow do you expect?

Deputy Premier Mher: The operation of the railway will have positive results and will be profitable for the country. The ~$230M construction will require up to 3 years.

Today, the South Caucasus Railway [pays ~$9.6M in taxes annually]. 2/3rd of transfers are internal.

If unblocking the link will double the cargo flow, it will have at least a 5% profitability without counting the multipliers, which isn't bad. We will have more in-depth calculations when the railway restoration project is available with all its details. I am absolutely confident that in terms of profitability we will get positive data. //

[1](https://youtu.be/hJg035-hJLY) [2](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076943.html) [3](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/232235)

anti-corruption: busted after trying to sell a driver's license

ACC reports: A resident of Yerevan was willing to pay a $700 bribe to obtain a license. He contacted a middleman who used his police connections in Kotayk to organize the scheme.

The applicant received the correct answers for the exam, and passed. He wasn't able to proceed with the hands-on test because NSS raided the group. The police official and others are charged with multiple crimes. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076925.html

Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues

As of writing this, about 80% of the 150,000 troops that Russia massed along the border have crossed into Ukraine now.

U.S. General Keane: The Russian units in the north, that were advancing on Kharkiv and Kyiv, had paused their operations for a couple of days because they needed to bring reinforcements and resupplies.

The units in the south were the ones having success, and there is a reason for that. They all come from the Southern Military District, and they had been exercising together for years. They operate as whole units.

In contrast, the northern units are hodgepodges that haven't been exercising together. This is why analysts weren't initially convinced they would attack Kyiv. [says Russia will bomb the shit out of the town if their land troops fail to enter, but doing so could backfire domestically and internationally]

[1](https://video.foxnews.com/v/6299157670001#sp=show-clips) [2](https://nypost.com/2022/03/01/desperate-russian-soldiers-fleeing-from-ukraine-us-official/)

... Residents of downtown Kyiv are preparing for the invasion

[Video](https://youtu.be/3-S29KGlQro?t=931) shows WW2-style "Czech hedgehog" anti-tank obstacles installed on the streets of downtown Kyiv. The streets were empty today. Public transport is still working. Surprisingly, marauders are a rare occurrence, said one resident. [maybe because they handed out automatic rifles to everyone and their uncle?]

[1](https://youtu.be/3-S29KGlQro?t=931)

... We will not allow Ukraine to obtain nuclear weapons: Russian FM Lavrov

Lavrov repeated Russia's stance that the "military operation" in Ukraine is meant to demilitarize the country and not allow it to obtain nukes. Lavrov accused Ukrainian leadership of intentionally delaying peace talks "under the order of United States".

[1](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/232205)

... Some Russian soldiers are so unhappy with their mission they've started sabotaging their own vehicles and surrendering in droves: Pentagon official

Senior Defense official at Pentagon: Not all of them were apparently fully trained and prepared, or even aware that they were going to be sent into a combat operation.

We have picked up independently, on our own, indications that morale is flagging in some of these units. They puncture vehicle gas tanks. Entire units, many of whom are young draftees, have laid down their weapons and surrendered.

[1](https://nypost.com/2022/03/01/desperate-russian-soldiers-fleeing-from-ukraine-us-official/)

... Armenian community reported the situation in Mariupol

The important southern town is between Crimea and Donbas. It was encircled by Russian troops yesterday. Ukrainian-Armenian community leader reported the situation.

Matevosyan: We're helping evacuate the civilians from Mariupol. It's encircled so we're trying to negotiate a humanitarian corridor. You could use the roads, but it's dangerous without the guarantees. There are sounds of explosions in the city. There are fierce battles. I don't have any information about injuries among Armenians.

[1](https://factor.am/482210.html)

... What happened to Russia's Air Force? U.S. experts are baffled

Military expert Artsrun Hovhannisyan said in an interview on Monday that the air is contested despite Russia's early successes and the destruction of Ukrainian aviation. Ukraine still has anti-aircraft missiles, which force Russia to act carefully, said Artsrun.

Western experts: Russia has not engaged its entire air force in the conflict. They are not willing to take high risks with their own aircraft and pilots because the air is still contested.

Ukraine's own air force is still flying and its air defense are still deemed to be viable. Ukrainian air force fighter jets are still carrying out low-level attacks.

Despite the experience in Syria, the Russian air force is still miles behind the West. //

Russian and Ukrainian air forces are (were) comprised of:

Bombers: RU 132, UA 0.

Fighter jets: RU 832, UA 86

Transport plane: RU 358, UA 63

Drones: RU 25, UA 66

[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/what-happened-russias-air-force-us-officials-experts-stumped-2022-03-01/) [2](https://youtu.be/yoQRBe-Wbgc) [3](https://www.timesofisrael.com/western-experts-baffled-by-russian-air-forces-low-profile-in-ukraine/)

... Companies are leaving Russia

BP will sell its 20% stake in Russian state-owned Rosneft.

Shell will sell its $3B worth of assets in Nord Stream 2 pipeline and at an LNG facility.

Exxon is quitting its last Russian project "Sakhalin-1", and it will not invest in new developments.

Norway's biggest energy company Equinor will withdraw from $1.2B joint ventures.

France's TotalEnergies will abandon its LNG business in Russia.

Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, will freeze Russian assets worth $2.8B and exit the country.

Prominent law firm Baker McKenzie will sever ties with Russian clients, which include Russia's Finance Ministry and second-largest bank VTB. Other law firms like KPMG will follow the suit.

Daimler, Volvo, GM, vehicle makers will also stop their business. Ford Motors initially resisted but also decided to suspend operations.

Shipping giant Maersk temporarily suspends containers to/from Russia.

[1](https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/business-a-lobbying/596200-multinational-us-companies-flee-russia-amid-invasion) [2](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/list-foreign-companies-pulling-russia-231315523.html) [3](https://thehill.com/policy/international/596350-here-are-the-private-companies-that-have-made-moves-against-russia) [4](https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/01/energy/exxon-russia-sakhalin-project-exit/index.html) [5](https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-suspends-russian-operations-following-invasion-ukraine-2022-03-01/)

... Could the sanctions turn Russia into a North Korea?

WSJ's Greg Ip: These sanctions are likely to do far more damage than Putin had thought possible. The long-term cost of the tech export ban will be weaker military and civilian industries. Russia will increasingly rely on gas sales to China, which will pay less than Europe does.

Full consequences are yet to be seen. Kicking such a large economy out of the financial system so abruptly could trigger unforeseen dynamics.

Sanctions could force Putin to become more repressive like Venezuela and North Korea instead of persuading him. When economic war becomes aggressive enough, it may be seen as an actual war. Some scholars say Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was a result of an oil embargo by the U.S. //

[1](https://www.wsj.com/articles/western-sanctions-bite-russian-economy-but-pose-unpredictable-risks-11646143908)

... Do U.S. voters support Joe Biden's sanctions against Russia?

79% yes, 12% no

Yes: 87% of Democrats, 78% of independents, 70% of Republicans.

Survey by Data for Progress.

[1](https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/596308-democratic-poll-finds-partisan-split-on-bidens-response-to-russia?rl=1)

... Sas pipe in trouble

Nord Stream 2 gas pipe operator (not the owner) filed for bankruptcy and fired all employees. The Swiss company was helping Russia and Germany to launch the gas pipe. They had to terminate contracts with employees because of recent U.S. sanctions. "We very much regret this development."

[1](https://www.axios.com/nord-stream-2-bankruptcy-05fe10e2-a312-4f44-ab59-0b6e2629e222.html) [2](https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/exclusive-nord-stream-2-owner-considers-insolvency-after-pipeline-halt-sanctions-2022-03-01/)

... Oil & gas prices are skyrocketing

Last week the gas was $1,000 in Europe. Today it's $2,200. February's average was $935.

Brent oil is the highest since 2013. It went from $94 to $114 after the war.

[1](https://factor.am/482249.html) [2](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/298779/)

... Armenia abstained during a UN General Assembly vote on Russia

The Assembly voted 141-5-35 to demand Russia to stop the war and withdraw its military forces.

In favor: Georgia, etc.

Against: Russia, Belarus, Best Korea, Eritrea, Syria.

Abstain: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, India, China, etc.

Missing: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, etc.

[1](https://factor.am/482515.html) [2](https://twitter.com/UN/status/1499068649121984519?t=HBzM73KEKhPYklu3Ay83aw&s=19)

... Russia's isolation continues

The U.S. will join the EU and Canada to close off its airspace to Russian flights. They were hesitant earlier out of concerns that American airlines would suffer if Russia answered with similar sanctions.

Russian metal giant Severstal will stop delivering to Europe amid sanctions on its main owner Alexei Mordashov. They will look for other markets. EU was third of their market.

Russia and Belarus are barred from all international ice skating events. Russia was kicked out of soccer competitions and hockey yesterday. They can compete in a swimming tournament with a neutral flag.

The following music bands have canceled their Russia trips: Green Day, One Direction's Tomlinson, AJR, rock band Health, Yungblud.

Putin's friend maestro Valery Gergiev was fired as Chief Conductor of Munich Philharmonic after refusal to denounce the invasion. Anna Netrebko, another Putin ally, saw her performances canceled with Bavarian State Opera.

[1](https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/33396647/russia-barred-all-international-ice-skating-events-following-invasion-ukraine) [2](https://www.politico.com/news/2022/03/01/u-s-bans-russian-flights-00013007) [3](https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/01/entertainment/green-day-acts-cancel-concerts/index.html) [4](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/01/arts/music/valery-gergiev-fired-munich-ukraine.html) [5](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076921.html) [6](https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/02/russia-metals-firm-severstal-to-stop-europe-deliveries-a76710)

... About the partial SWIFT disconnection

Bloomberg: Disconnecting Russia from SWIFT is a big risk because of collateral damage. It severely impairs the Russian banks' ability to exchange any payment instructions with thousands of SWIFT institutions in 200 countries. It could endanger energy exports to Europe, etc. Russia has prepared by setting up its own mini-messaging system and is trying to link up with China.

[1](https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-02-28/wielding-swift-against-russia-for-ukraine-invasion-is-a-big-risk)

... Russia will use SPFS, its alternative to SWIFT

Russia [re]launched its SWIFT alternative "SPFS" on Tuesday. It only has 399 users as of today. They are negotiating with China to join.

SPFS was founded 6 years ago explicitly for domestic banks, but in April 2021 it connected with Armenian Arshidbank, 20 Belarusian banks, and the Kyrgyz Bank. Not many countries' banks want to join it so far.

[1](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/central-bank-russia-launches-swift-154004953.html)

... Ruble dropped against dollar after the invasion, but what about others?

Ruble 80 -> 110

Dram 480 -> 489

Lari 2.98 -> 3.21

Lira 13.82 -> 14.12

Deputy Premier of Armenia: The post-invasion devaluation of dram is an emotional phenomenon not based on any fundamental or macro change.

[1](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1076919.html)

... Russia seeks to halt investor stampede as sanctions hammer economy

Russia will place temporary restrictions on foreigners seeking to exit Russia assets. Billions of dollars worth of securities held by foreigners are at risk of being trapped.

Top asset manager BlackRock said it was consulting with regulators and other market participants to help ensure their clients could exit their positions in Russian securities.

[1](https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russia-seeks-halt-investor-stampede-sanctions-hammer-economy-2022-03-01/)

... Western companies restrict Russian state-sponsored media

YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok banned Russian outlets RT and Sputnik in Europe. Twitter will label them as state-sponsored.

Apple suspends sales in Russia and won't allow RT and Sputnik to be downloaded on iPhone outside of Russia.

Major North American TV providers DirecTV, Roku, Rogers Comm, and Bell, will remove RT's TV channel.

UK's television regulator is investigating 15 instances of alleged violations by RT. Premier Boris Johnson recently refused to support the outlet's ban, citing freedom of speech, adding that the TV regulator will decide whether a ban is warranted.

[1](https://deadline.com/2022/03/directv-drops-rt-america-russia-ukraine-1234968328/) [2](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/list-foreign-companies-pulling-russia-231315523.html) [3](https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/28/media/rt-tv-carriers-facebook-tiktok-youtube/index.html)

... What is the Russian state saying about sanctions?

TV host launched the show with complaints: They are banning our media outlets. I guess they forgot about the European values about "freedoms". The truth must not escape Russia. They are aiding Nazis in Ukraine.

The era of the dollar is ending. We must work towards this vigorously. They've been preparing these sanctions for a long time.

Our citizens can't return home because of closed airs. It's unprecedented. Ethnic Russians are being expelled from schools and banned in restaurants in Europe. //

Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor demanded the American tech firms to "stop discriminating against Russian media in Europe". Google and Facebook could soon face penalties for not having local offices in Russia, a requirement that applies to large foreign tech firms.

[1](https://youtu.be/huNWnBPCiZ0) [2](https://youtu.be/iYo-3cGTMrk) [3](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/russia-says-meta-google-should-be-held-accountable-inciting-war-ifax-2529541)

... Russia blocks its own media outlet

Radio station Ekho Moskvy, one of the most popular in Russia, was taken off air on Tuesday, in a blow to one of the few remaining liberal media that the Kremlin has tolerated until now.

Its editor Venediktov was already treading waters carefully. He recently received criticism from colleagues for not being more openly critical of Russian election results that the opposition believed were falsified.

The official reason for taking the radio offline was "targeted and systemic posting of information calling for extremist activities and false information about the [Ukraine war]". The Russian government claims the events in Ukraine are not an "invasion to occupy territory".

[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-prosecutors-demand-restricted-access-radio-station-tv-2022-03-01/)

... Russian billionaires' mega-yachts race towards countries that don't have extradition laws

Western countries had announced plans to seize yachts and assets belonging to Russian businessmen linked to Vladimir Putin.

Oil magnate Vagit Alekperov's yacht sailed towards Montenegro, a country with no extradition treaty to the US. Industrialist Oleg Deripaska's yacht sailed towards the Maldives, also no extradition.

Meanwhile, Putin's $100M yacht abruptly abandoned a repair job and departed Germany for Russia.

[1](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/putin-yacht-sanctions-ukraine-russia-b2025373.html)

... Update: Hollywood actor Sean Penn escapes Ukraine days after traveling there to film a documentary

The fool had to abandon the car and walk several miles towards the Polish border to be processed like other refugees. He did, however, manage to take an interview from Zelensky. Penn has a habit of traveling to violent parts of the world.

[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2022/03/01/sean-penn-actor-updates-while-filming-ukraine-russia-invasion/9328692002/) [2](https://twitter.com/SeanPenn/status/1498390093375016965) [3](https://nypost.com/2022/03/01/sean-penn-walks-to-poland-describes-exodus-of-ukrainian-refugees/)

... Vladimir Putin's daughter is being harassed on the internet

18yo Luiza Rozova, Putin's daughter from a mistress the existence of whom Putin was trying to keep secret, is receiving negative messages on the internet: "Are you sitting in the bunker like a rat?"

The teen stopped posting publicly 5 months ago, sparking fears she was gagged.

[1](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10564595/Putins-love-child-18-trolled-online-Ukraine-war.html)

... Some troubled Russian companies are trying to establish business in third states

Reporter: Can Armenia benefit from these sanctions? How easy is it to do business in Armenia?

TK & Partners consulting firm's Martirosyan: Within the past 3-4 days, we've been receiving many requests from individuals and businesses about establishing businesses in Armenia.

Reporter: Why would Russian companies want to move to Armenia?

TK & Partners: 1) Armenia and Russia have similar business ethics. There already are business ties.

2) Armenians speak Russian.

3) Armenia's tax system and regulatory field are quite transparent.

4) Armenia has a simplified system for launching a business. You can register and operate one in 1 business day. That includes registering legal entities, directors, employees, etc.

Continue: https://youtu.be/cGX8eFucaGs?t=280

[2](https://www.civilnet.am/news/652336/ուկրաինայում-պատերազմի-հետևանքով-հայաստանի-գրավչությունը-բարձրացել-է-ռուսական-բիզնեսի-համար/)

ICYM

The news in русский (by Impossible-Ad-).

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/t5afsz/news_mar22022_new_blood_in_army_leadership/