Armenia's political crisis could soon come to a head. On May 1, the parliament is set to elect a new prime minister in a special session, and opposition leader Nikol Pashinian is calling for large-scale demonstrations to be held the same day. Moreover, Pashinian has vowed that if the position of prime minister and oversight of fresh elections are not given to a people's candidate (such as himself), then demonstrations will continue and intensify. That outcome would be a substantial concern for Armenia's key ally, Russia . As events unfold, Russia is positioned to both shape and be shaped by the Armenian crisis. Old Allies The close connection between Armenia and Russia goes back to the late Soviet and early post-Soviet eras.