Groong Week in Review - August 3, 2025

In Episode 457 of the Groong Podcast, we examine growing regional and domestic pressures on Armenia. From a U.S.-backed proposal to lease the Zangezur Corridor to Trump’s August 8 ultimatum for Russia to cease its war in Ukraine, the episode explores how shifting global power dynamics could impact Armenia’s sovereignty and economy. We also look at Azerbaijan’s expulsion of the ICRC and worsening conditions for Armenian POWs, the growing list of political prisoners in Armenia, and the suspicious conviction related to the death of Sona Mnatsakanyan. With mounting restrictions on Armenian exports to Russia and fires consuming cultural sites in Artsakh, the conversation considers whether Armenia’s leadership is responding effectively to the country’s mounting internal and external challenges.

Topics:

•   Trump Ultimatum to Putin
•   US Sanctions effect on Armenia
•   Turkey, US, and Armenia’s Territory
•   The Kitchen Sink

Guest: Benyamin Poghosyan

Hosts:

• Hovik Manucharyan
• Asbed Bedrossian

Episode 457 | Recorded: August 4, 2025

SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/457

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/CehSMWvolf4

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