Russia Pulls Ambassador From Armenia as Putin Warns Against EU Alignment

Ambassador Recalled for Consultations

Russia's Foreign Ministry stated on Saturday that it had recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations. The move came one day after President Vladimir Putin warned the South Caucasus country against aligning with the European Union.

The ministry issued an official statement declaring that Ambassador S. Kopyrkin had been summoned to Moscow. The statement cited steps by the Armenian leadership toward rapprochement with the European Union as undermining cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Putin's Warning at Kazakhstan Summit

At a summit in Kazakhstan on Friday, Putin invoked what he called the "Ukrainian scenario" in his warning to Armenia. He called for Armenia to hold a referendum on its economic future as soon as possible.

Putin emphasized that Armenia must choose between the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union. He declared it impossible to reconcile the two options, according to reports from the summit.

Background of Strains Since Nagorno-Karabakh

Friction between Russia and Armenia has grown since Azerbaijan regained control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Armenia accused Russia and its peacekeeping forces of failing to deter Baku's military offensive.

In 2024, Armenia froze its participation in a Moscow-led regional security bloc. Putin had previously warned Armenia that closer European integration carries the same risks faced by Ukraine, which Russia invaded in February 2022.

Trade Restrictions Targeting Armenian Goods

Over the past month, Russia has restricted the sale or imports of Armenian produce, flowers, mineral water, and alcoholic products. The measures were justified by alleged health and safety violations.

The restrictions have increasingly appeared ahead of parliamentary elections in Armenia next month. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party faces challenges from pro-Russian opposition groups in those elections.

Threat to 2013 Energy Agreement

This week, Russia also threatened to end a 2013 bilateral agreement that guarantees Armenia duty-free access to natural gas and oil. The threat was tied directly to Armenia's pursuit of closer ties with the European Union.

Pashinyan responded by dismissing the energy threats. He argued that EU membership would eventually bring in far more money than Armenia would lose from higher energy costs imposed by Russia.