Armenia not looking to stoke tensions with Russia — top diplomat

Lead

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on May 19 that Armenia has no interest in creating tensions in relations with Moscow, emphasizing that Yerevan advocates developing mutually beneficial relations with Russia. His remarks come as Armenia pursues a path toward European Union integration, a move that Russian officials have said is incompatible with Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Coverage Comparison

The story, as reported by TASS, centers on the delicate balancing act Armenia faces between its historical ties with Russia and its stated ambition to move closer to the EU. Mirzoyan's statements, made to reporters in Yerevan, underscore Armenia's desire to maintain constructive relations with Russia while acknowledging the need to make a choice between the two economic blocs. In a separate interview with news.am on May 24, Mirzoyan reiterated that Armenia is always interested in preserving and developing normal cooperation with Russia, and he declined to link the state of bilateral relations with the upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, speaking during a live social media broadcast on June 1, described the ongoing transformation of relations with Russia in positive terms. He said, "Our relations with Russia are being reshaped. I view this phase of transformation positively, as we are building a new relationship with Russia in the new situation, and I am confident that we will succeed, especially because we maintain open and honest relations with Russia, with no hidden aspects."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a press conference following a visit to Kazakhstan on May 29, was asked about Armenia's situation, particularly in light of the attention the EAEU summit in Astana had paid to it. Putin redirected the question to Yerevan, which has announced plans to pursue EU integration, a move that is not compatible with EAEU membership. However, the Armenian leadership has no plans to withdraw from the EAEU at this point.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking at a press conference on May 15 after a BRICS ministerial meeting in New Delhi, said that the EAEU member countries would have an opportunity to discuss issues related to attempts to draw Armenia into the West's "orbit" at the union's summit in May. Lavrov noted that the EU insists on drawing Armenia into its orbit, potentially at the risk of the benefits Armenia enjoys through the EAEU. He expressed hope for an honest and frank discussion at the summit scheduled for the end of May in Kazakhstan. Lavrov also mentioned that Pashinyan had indicated he might not attend the summit due to election matters, calling that "unfortunate" because it would be a good opportunity to "clear the air."

Key Claims

• No intention to 'divorce' partners: Mirzoyan stated, "We do not intend to 'divorce' any of our partners. We also don't intend to enter into a conflict or, more precisely, cause tension in Armenia-Russia relations." He added that Armenia advocates developing mutually beneficial relations with Russia.

• Armenia faces a choice between EU and EAEU: Mirzoyan acknowledged that Armenia realizes it must choose between the EU and the EAEU. "It is impossible to be a member of both the EAEU and the EU. We will continue our path toward the EU. When the time comes to decide which group we belong to, we will make that decision," he said.

• Putin's 'divorce' remark: On May 9, Putin stated that Yerevan should decide on its membership in either the EU or the EAEU as soon as possible to facilitate a "divorce."

• Armenian parliament's EU accession move: On March 26, 2025, the Armenian parliament adopted a bill to start the process of the country's accession to the EU. Pashinyan noted that this would not automatically grant Armenia membership, as such an issue requires a referendum. Russian Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk was quoted as viewing these actions as the beginning of Armenia's withdrawal from the EAEU, emphasizing that EU membership is incompatible with EAEU membership.

• Lavrov on EU's 'orbit': Lavrov said that the EAEU summit at the end of May would discuss the emerging problems related to the EU's insistence on drawing Armenia into its orbit, potentially at the risk of the benefits Armenia gains through the EAEU.

• Pashinyan's positive view of transformation: Pashinyan described the transformation of relations with Russia positively, expressing confidence that Armenia will succeed in building a new relationship with Russia in the new realities.

Perspectives

• Armenian government: Armenia seeks to maintain normal, mutually beneficial relations with Russia while pursuing EU integration. Officials emphasize that the decision between the EU and EAEU will be made when necessary, and they express a desire for constructive dialogue.

• Russian government: Russia views Armenia's EU integration as incompatible with EAEU membership and has called on Yerevan to make a clear choice. Russian officials have expressed concern about the EU's attempts to draw Armenia into its orbit and have signaled intentions to discuss the issue at the EAEU summit.