Russia Pulls Ambassador From Armenia After Putin Warns Against EU Alignment

Russian Foreign Ministry Recalls Ambassador

Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ambassador S. Kopyrkin has been recalled from Yerevan to Moscow for consultations. The ministry stated that the move addresses steps by the Armenian leadership toward closer ties with the European Union that undermine cooperation in the Eurasian Economic Union.

Putin Issues Warning at Kazakhstan Summit

At the summit in Astana, President Vladimir Putin warned Armenia against pursuing alignment with the European Union. He invoked the "Ukrainian scenario" and called for Armenia to hold a referendum on its economic future, stating that membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the EU cannot be reconciled.

Background of Strained Russia-Armenia Relations

Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have deteriorated since Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Armenia accused Russian peacekeeping forces of failing to prevent Baku's offensive and froze its participation in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization in 2024.

Economic Restrictions and Energy Threats

Over the past month, Russia has restricted imports of Armenian produce, flowers, mineral water, and alcoholic products citing health and safety concerns. Russia also threatened to terminate a 2013 bilateral agreement that guarantees Armenia duty-free access to natural gas and oil if Yerevan continues its EU rapprochement.

Armenian Perspective from Prime Minister Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan dismissed the Russian energy threats. He argued that potential EU membership would generate greater economic benefits for Armenia than any losses from higher Russian energy prices.

Geopolitical Implications

Analysts suggest the recall of Ambassador Kopyrkin and coordinated trade measures signal Moscow's intent to pressure Yerevan ahead of Armenian parliamentary elections. This approach could further push Armenia toward EU structures while testing the cohesion of the Eurasian Economic Union and CSTO frameworks involving other member states.

By Irina Volkov, Staff Writer