In an interview with Iran's state broadcaster, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that the worst-case scenario could unfold for Armenia if the country turns into a "new Ukraine." He emphasized that the West is currently testing relations between Moscow and Yerevan, while Armenia's current leadership has seen fit to pivot its foreign policy vector—a decision he believes will lead to no good.
According to Medvedev, Russia addresses its regional issues independently, noting that together with Iran, it is part of the Caspian region and needs no outside assistance to foster friendship, trade, or economic development.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also remarked that Western nations are attempting to "disperse" Russia's allies, beginning with its neighbors, including Ukraine and Georgia.
For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Armenia's European integration as the country's sovereign right. However, he added that pursuing EU membership would effectively mean withdrawing from the Eurasian Economic Union, as holding simultaneous membership in both unions is impossible.
During a September 1 meeting with Putin, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stressed that it is premature to discuss joining the EU or leaving the EAEU. Pashinyan reassured that this process is not directed against Russia or the EAEU, noting that the Armenian side places a very high value on its relations with Moscow and treats them with great caution.
These statements from Moscow underscore Russia's growing unease over Armenia's shifting foreign policy vector. While the Armenian leadership attempts to balance rapprochement with Europe against strategic ties with Moscow, Russia clearly views this shift as a direct threat to its regional influence.
In practice, being forced to choose between the EAEU and the European Union could carry grave economic and political consequences for Yerevan. The looming question remains how successfully Armenia can maintain this delicate balance without permanently severing ties with Russia.
