Perceptions of Russia among Armenians are exceptionally positive, according to the internationally conducted “Comparative Opinion Polls in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh on Socio-Political Issues and Foreign Relations” published by the European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA).

Russia is widely viewed as extremely important, and valued, by Armenians, though we must assume that the very favourable views towards Russia found in the poll are to some extent boosted by the recent high-profile visit to Armenia of President Medvedev.

Russia is by a wide margin the outside actor most trusted in Armenia: 80% of Armenians trust Russia, nearly twice the next-highest figure (42% trusting France). Russia is also viewed as the most supportive of Armenia, 71% of Armenians believing this, compared with 43% regarding France as supportive. Positive views of Russia extend to its values, with almost half of Armenians saying that they would most prefer Armenia’s value system to be like Russia’s. Older people are especially likely to say they would prefer Russia’s value system while younger people would much prefer a European set of values.

Young people are still by far the most positive towards Russia of all countries and organisations even though they prefer European values.

85% of Armenians view Russia as having a key role as a mediator in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process, far more than for any other country or international organisation – and Russia is also regarded as the most interested in achieving a settlement to the conflict.