Armenia–Russia Trade & EU Tensions: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, Putin said Russia–Armenia trade hit $2.5bn in H1 2026 and highlighted cooperation in industry, agriculture, mining, nuclear energy, transport and the digital economy, while Pashinyan pushed back on problems and the EU/EAEU trade-off. EU vs EAEU Choice: Putin warned that starting EU accession would effectively mean leaving the EAEU, arguing it could disrupt Armenia’s trade chains and advantages in the union’s market. SCO Momentum: Erdoğan wrapped up SCO talks with multiple bilateral meetings as the bloc adopted a 25th-anniversary package spanning security, energy, transport, climate and AI. TRIPP Gets Practical Focus: Armenia and Azerbaijan leaders in Bishkek shifted from broad declarations to implementation details—TRIPP connectivity, border delimitation commissions, and trade/energy cooperation. Syunik TRIPP Site Visit: Armenian and US officials toured Syunik construction areas for the Armenian section of TRIPP, discussing how it can create local economic opportunities. Energy & Power Security: Armenia is weighing electricity imports (including from Azerbaijan) as AI-driven demand could strain supply, while regional power planning remains sensitive to cross-border generation. Governance & Housing: Yerevan City Hall reached a temporary deal with Aeration neighborhood residents facing demolition, tying continued stay to cleanup and a halt to construction work. Justice Watch: A new criminal case was opened/updated against former tax chief Gagik Khachatryan over alleged bribe-taking and property-related allegations. Digital Ruble Rollout: VTB began wider use of the digital ruble for individuals and businesses from Sept. 1.