Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Tech Incentives: The Wall Street Journal reports US negotiators used expanded access to Nvidia AI chips as an incentive in last year’s preliminary Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks, tied to export approvals for the Firebird data center in Hrazdan. EU Path vs Russia Ties: Prime Minister Pashinyan says Armenia will not cancel the law starting EU accession, while Russia’s Putin argues Armenia’s EU course could disrupt EAEU trade chains; analysts also note the growing debate over the Russian base in Gyumri. Russian Base Question: Putin told Pashinyan in Bishkek that Russia can withdraw forces from Gyumri if Armenia no longer needs them, keeping the issue central to Armenia’s security calculations. Water & Climate Pressure: The IMF warns Armenia faces rising heat and water shortages, citing gaps in water management and disaster resilience. Courtroom & Church: A third judge refused to hear the criminal case against Catholicos Karekin II and bishops; the prosecutor in the case has resigned. Diplomacy Update: France’s new ambassador, Florian Escudier, arrived in Yerevan. Local Life & Culture: Yerevan’s Armenia EXPO 2026 opened, and the “Tour of Armenia” cycling race unveiled its deer symbol. Information War: Armenian media was criticized for recycling a four-year-old incident as a new “Azerbaijani advance” near Hakari Bridge. Human Rights: UNICEF estimates about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse.