Armenia's Prime Minister Is Learning to Play the Drums and the Russian Language
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that he is taking Russian language courses at the Academy of Public Administration and is also taking online lessons in percussion instruments. The official emphasized the need for continuous self-improvement and the acquisition of new skills for all civil servants in the country.
The statement was made on September 17 during a government meeting in response to a proposal by Labor Minister Arsen Torosyan to make English language study mandatory for civil servants.
Pashinyan stressed that officials can choose to study any foreign language, noting: “If someone is too ashamed to learn, then, I’m sorry, but they shouldn’t work in the government system.” According to him, mastering new skills—such as playing musical instruments—changes one’s mindset and promotes effective work.
Earlier, on September 1, during the SCO+ summit in Bishkek, Pashinyan spoke in Armenian for the first time, becoming the only CIS leader who did not use Russian. The Kremlin called this decision “strange,” as stated by Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.
This information came to light during a meeting of the Armenian government.
Prior to this, Pashinyan had publicly clashed with Putin over Armenia’s future in the EAEU.
In Armenia’s new government program for 2026–2031, Russia is no longer referred to as a strategic ally.
