Wednesday, October 14 2026 19:14

The Russian Federation has banned entry into the country for Lulu, a member of the Armenian parliament from the Civil Contract party

The Russian Federation has banned entry into the country for Lulu, a member of the Armenian parliament from the Civil Contract party

ArmInfo. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has banned entry into the country for Lusine Badalyan, a member of the Armenian parliament and head of the RA National Assembly's standing committee on healthcare. Badalyan herself announced this on her Facebook page.

As a member of the Armenian National Assembly delegation to the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, I was scheduled to participate in the meeting, the agenda of which included 16 issues.

However, I was denied entry to the Russian Federation, with the explanation that I was banned from entering the country. The reason is unknown.

This is a strange and concerning situation when a member of a national parliamentary delegation is not allowed to travel to the headquarters of an international parliamentary organization to fulfill official duties and participate in the work of a commission," noted Badalyan, who is also well known by the nickname "Lulu."

Independent observers believe that the Russian Federation may have compiled a counter-list of Armenian political figures who, to put it mildly, "disrespect" the Russian leadership. "Lulu," a former radio host, is an activist of Armenia's ruling "Civil Contract." and periodically voices the general official line of the Armenian authorities regarding Russia and the CSTO, which is characterized by increasing criticism of Moscow and a desire to revise the format of relations.

In her public comments in early 2026, Badalyan openly stated that "the very nature of Armenian-Russian relations" was changing. She emphasized that Yerevan was no longer prepared to tolerate Moscow's previous approaches.

Although Moscow has not publicly announced the existence of a counter-list of Armenian journalists, bloggers, and politicians, it is clear that one exists. The reason, apparently, is that the first such list was being compiled in Yerevan. It includes the name of one of the main defenders of Armenian interests in the CIS, State Duma deputy, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, head of the Institute of CIS Countries Konstantin Zatulin, who was banned from entering Armenia by the Armenian authorities back in 2022. This list also includes Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the media group and the RT TV channel, Aram Gabrelyanov, a well-known Russian media manager and founder of the holding (Life.ru). Andranik Migranyan is a Russian political scientist, and Viktor Krivopuskov is a Russian public figure and former head of the Rossotrudnichestvo office in Armenia.

Entry to Armenia is closed to a number of influential diaspora activists (primarily from Europe and the United States) associated with the Dashnaktsutyun (ARF) party.

Commenting on these restrictions, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia is a sovereign state and has the right to expect respect from foreign citizens.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
The NDP Council condemned the start of the Amulsar field`s operation, citing potential risksThe NDP Council condemned the start of the Amulsar field`s operation, citing potential risks
Armenia and France discussed cooperation in the defense sectorArmenia and France discussed cooperation in the defense sector
Armenia and France discussed cooperation in the defense sectorArmenia and France discussed cooperation in the defense sector
Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia: Concepts and procedures regarding the issue of enclaves-exclaves are clearly described and regulatedDeputy Prime Minister of Armenia: Concepts and procedures regarding the issue of enclaves-exclaves are clearly described and regulated
Mirzoyan: Armenia plans to continue its work within the EAEUMirzoyan: Armenia plans to continue its work within the EAEU
Pashinyan`s visit to Iran is on the agenda. Mirzoyan Pashinyan`s visit to Iran is on the agenda. Mirzoyan
The Armenian Ombudsman`s Office responded to a complaint filed by prisoner Armen SimonyanThe Armenian Ombudsman`s Office responded to a complaint filed by prisoner Armen Simonyan
Reuters has identified a conflict of interest in Sokolov`s appointment as chairman of the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund.Reuters has identified a conflict of interest in Sokolov`s appointment as chairman of the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund.
The newly appointed Consul General of Iran presented his exequatur to the Secretary General of the Armenian Foreign MinistryThe newly appointed Consul General of Iran presented his exequatur to the Secretary General of the Armenian Foreign Ministry
On the Edge of Meaning: Art Embassy to Present On the Edge of Meaning: Art Embassy to Present "Silence," a New Project by Artist Bagrat Arazyan
High-ranking foreign guests arrive in Armenia to participate in COP17High-ranking foreign guests arrive in Armenia to participate in COP17
The UN Secretary-General visited the MatenadaranThe UN Secretary-General visited the Matenadaran
The Minister of Defense ordered work to strengthen discipline in military units.The Minister of Defense ordered work to strengthen discipline in military units.
Tsarukyan`s lawyer: The guilty verdict ignored all exculpatory evidenceTsarukyan`s lawyer: The guilty verdict ignored all exculpatory evidence
Pashinyan and the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office discussed the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.Pashinyan and the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office discussed the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The Swiss Foreign Minister honored the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.The Swiss Foreign Minister honored the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Pashinyan and Mushikiwabo discussed preparations for the International Francophonie GamesPashinyan and Mushikiwabo discussed preparations for the International Francophonie Games
The head of Armenia`s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the French Ambassador discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation.The head of Armenia`s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the French Ambassador discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation.
The President of Kyrgyzstan will pay an official visit to Armenia.The President of Kyrgyzstan will pay an official visit to Armenia.
Armenia and UNDP signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of parliamentary development for 2026-2031.Armenia and UNDP signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of parliamentary development for 2026-2031.
A scientific conference on A scientific conference on "Armenian Folk and Decorative-Applied Arts" will be held in Yerevan and Dilijan.
The UN Secretary-General praised the excellent organization of COP17 in Armenia.The UN Secretary-General praised the excellent organization of COP17 in Armenia.
35 Years of Trust: IDBank Celebrates with Its Customers35 Years of Trust: IDBank Celebrates with Its Customers
A gas station in the Armenian capital, owned by the father-in-law of an opposition MP, is being dismantled despite having a permit to operateA gas station in the Armenian capital, owned by the father-in-law of an opposition MP, is being dismantled despite having a permit to operate
Lavrov: Russia is ready to participate in regional infrastructure projects in the South CaucasusLavrov: Russia is ready to participate in regional infrastructure projects in the South Caucasus
A meeting of the heads of the foreign affairs agencies of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan took place in BakuA meeting of the heads of the foreign affairs agencies of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan took place in Baku
The foreign ministers of Russia and Turkey were discussed the cooperation agenda at a meeting in Baku.The foreign ministers of Russia and Turkey were discussed the cooperation agenda at a meeting in Baku.
The Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament and the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperationThe Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament and the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation
Switzerland expressed its readiness to facilitate the peace process between Armenia and AzerbaijanSwitzerland expressed its readiness to facilitate the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Armenia and the United States discussed defense cooperationArmenia and the United States discussed defense cooperation
Opinion: The development of the Amulsar mine near the resort town of Jermuk is the beginning of an environmental disaster in ArmeniaOpinion: The development of the Amulsar mine near the resort town of Jermuk is the beginning of an environmental disaster in Armenia
Ahead of COP17, the Artsakh Human Rights Council held a protest in front of the Armenian governmentAhead of COP17, the Artsakh Human Rights Council held a protest in front of the Armenian government
Banners with photos of Gagik Tsarukyan were hung in Yerevan in anticipation of the start of his trial.Banners with photos of Gagik Tsarukyan were hung in Yerevan in anticipation of the start of his trial.
Mirzoyan: Full normalization of relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan is possible any dayMirzoyan: Full normalization of relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan is possible any day
Mirzoyan did not rule out an exchange of enclaves with AzerbaijanMirzoyan did not rule out an exchange of enclaves with Azerbaijan
The Prosecutor General`s Office of Armenia accuses the founder of the Medline clinic of embezzling 263 million drams and laundering more than 920 million dramsThe Prosecutor General`s Office of Armenia accuses the founder of the Medline clinic of embezzling 263 million drams and laundering more than 920 million drams
David Manukyan has been celebrating his birthday in a Baku prison for the fourth year in a rowDavid Manukyan has been celebrating his birthday in a Baku prison for the fourth year in a row
The Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament held a meeting with the French AmbassadorThe Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament held a meeting with the French Ambassador
The UN Secretary-General arrived in YerevanThe UN Secretary-General arrived in Yerevan
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Holds Meeting with the European Union Special Representative for Central AsiaMinister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Holds Meeting with the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia
The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies are creating an educational hub in GyumriThe Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies are creating an educational hub in Gyumri
Placido Domingo will perform at a concert in Yerevan dedicated to the memory of world-famous tenor Gegham GrigoryanPlacido Domingo will perform at a concert in Yerevan dedicated to the memory of world-famous tenor Gegham Grigoryan
The Russian Federation has banned entry into the country for Lulu, a member of the Armenian parliament from the Civil Contract partyThe Russian Federation has banned entry into the country for Lulu, a member of the Armenian parliament from the Civil Contract party
The authorities intend to transform the migration management systemThe authorities intend to transform the migration management system
The Armenian Ombudsman pointed out the need for systemic measures to prevent non-combat deaths in the army.The Armenian Ombudsman pointed out the need for systemic measures to prevent non-combat deaths in the army.
A delegation led by the Chief of the Indian Defence Management College visited TsitsernakaberdA delegation led by the Chief of the Indian Defence Management College visited Tsitsernakaberd
A prisoner from the Artik penitentiary is sounding the alarm: he has been subjected to torture in prison for four monthsA prisoner from the Artik penitentiary is sounding the alarm: he has been subjected to torture in prison for four months
The opposition leader saw two signs of Azerbaijan increasing pressure on ArmeniaThe opposition leader saw two signs of Azerbaijan increasing pressure on Armenia
The Prosecutor General`s Office of Armenia is demanding the confiscation of property and funds from MP Aghvan Vardanyan.The Prosecutor General`s Office of Armenia is demanding the confiscation of property and funds from MP Aghvan Vardanyan.
Pashinyan spoke about the conditions and prospects for establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.Pashinyan spoke about the conditions and prospects for establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The transfer of laboratory data to the Armed system will be carried out in accordance with international standards.The transfer of laboratory data to the Armed system will be carried out in accordance with international standards.
Meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and a representative of the Asian Development BankMeeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and a representative of the Asian Development Bank
Azerbaijan destroyed a monument to WWII victims in the village of Shosh in occupied Artsakh.Azerbaijan destroyed a monument to WWII victims in the village of Shosh in occupied Artsakh.
Khachkar Studios Publishes Week #5 of Weekly T•A•P Reporting Across 26 PilotsKhachkar Studios Publishes Week #5 of Weekly T•A•P Reporting Across 26 Pilots
Armenia participated in the discussion Armenia participated in the discussion "Rethinking the Eastern Partnership" in Warsaw.
Wings of Tatev is nominated for its fifth World Travel Awards win.Wings of Tatev is nominated for its fifth World Travel Awards win.
TRF 2026: Dilijan Becomes a Platform for International Tourism DialogueTRF 2026: Dilijan Becomes a Platform for International Tourism Dialogue
Mirzoyan: The Eastern Partnership is currently being tested in the new realities of the gradual fragmentation of the worldMirzoyan: The Eastern Partnership is currently being tested in the new realities of the gradual fragmentation of the world
Diplomat: Pashinyan came to power with the help of regional residents, and now he`s declaring them second-class citizens.Diplomat: Pashinyan came to power with the help of regional residents, and now he`s declaring them second-class citizens.
The UN Secretary-General will visit Armenia.The UN Secretary-General will visit Armenia.
Read more



Commented
Lukashenko called for Armenia to assume the CIS presidency in 2029Lukashenko called for Armenia to assume the CIS presidency in 2029
Dmitry Medvedev predicted a Ukrainian-like fate for Armenia amid the country`s shift in foreign policyDmitry Medvedev predicted a Ukrainian-like fate for Armenia amid the country`s shift in foreign policy
Russian Security Council: In Armenia, they want to force Russian asset owners to dispose of their assetsRussian Security Council: In Armenia, they want to force Russian asset owners to dispose of their assets
Zakharova: Russia ready to discuss with Armenia the prospects for expanding military cooperation as part of a review of bilateral tiesZakharova: Russia ready to discuss with Armenia the prospects for expanding military cooperation as part of a review of bilateral ties
Tevanyan: Armenia, like Ukraine and Moldova, is being drawn into the EU’s global warTevanyan: Armenia, like Ukraine and Moldova, is being drawn into the EU’s global war
Yerevan City Hall is considering introducing a valet parking system in the cityYerevan City Hall is considering introducing a valet parking system in the city
Expert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocideExpert: The circus surrounding the “Albanization” of Armenian culture in the presence of foreign ambassadors in occupied Artsakh is genocide
Political scientist: If Russian-Armenian relations are destroyed, Turkey will take Russia`s placePolitical scientist: If Russian-Armenian relations are destroyed, Turkey will take Russia`s place
Political scientist: The Armenian public is simply obliged to significantly change the entire content of public discourse and strugglePolitical scientist: The Armenian public is simply obliged to significantly change the entire content of public discourse and struggle
Cross tattoos are being removed from the skin of Christian prisoners in Azerbaijan by fire, according to a human rights activist.Cross tattoos are being removed from the skin of Christian prisoners in Azerbaijan by fire, according to a human rights activist.
Zakharova: Armenia`s likely introduction of visas with Russia will be a step against Yerevan itselfZakharova: Armenia`s likely introduction of visas with Russia will be a step against Yerevan itself
Putin: Armenia`s recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague has given Russia`s position on this issue an ambivalent characterPutin: Armenia`s recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague has given Russia`s position on this issue an ambivalent character
Putin: Armenia`s adoption of the law on EU accession means an announcement of its withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic UnionPutin: Armenia`s adoption of the law on EU accession means an announcement of its withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union
Medvedev: Yerevan will never become an EU member, but it will permanently damage relations with the Eurasian Economic Union, including with Moscow.Medvedev: Yerevan will never become an EU member, but it will permanently damage relations with the Eurasian Economic Union, including with Moscow.
Aram Vardevanyan: Public demands solutions, not apology scandals in  ParliamentAram Vardevanyan: Public demands solutions, not apology scandals in  Parliament