Russia Recalls Ambassador to Armenia for Consultations

Russia Recalls Ambassador to Armenia for Consultations

Russia's Foreign Ministry stated on Saturday that it has recalled Ambassador S. Kopyrkin from Yerevan to Moscow. The ministry cited the need to discuss steps taken by the Armenian leadership toward closer ties with the European Union, which it said undermine cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Putin Issues Warning at Kazakhstan Summit

At a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Friday, President Vladimir Putin warned Armenia against pursuing alignment with the European Union. He invoked what he described as the "Ukrainian scenario" and called for a referendum on Armenia's economic future to be held as soon as possible. Putin stated that Armenia must choose between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, declaring the two paths impossible to reconcile.

Background of Growing Friction Between Moscow and Yerevan

Tensions between Russia and Armenia have increased since Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Armenia accused Russia and its peacekeeping forces of failing to prevent Baku's military offensive. In 2024, Armenia froze its participation in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization regional security bloc.

Trade Restrictions Imposed on Armenian Goods

Over the past month, Russia has restricted the sale or import of Armenian produce, flowers, mineral water, and alcoholic products, citing alleged health and safety violations. These measures coincide with the approach of parliamentary elections in Armenia next month, in which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party faces opposition from pro-Russian groups.

Threat to 2013 Energy Agreement

This week, Russia threatened to terminate a 2013 bilateral agreement that guarantees Armenia duty-free access to natural gas and oil supplies if Yerevan continues to seek closer European Union ties.

Armenian Response to Russian Pressure

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan dismissed the energy threats. He argued that eventual European Union membership would generate greater economic benefits for Armenia than any losses from higher energy costs imposed by Russia. Armenia has also raised concerns over Russia's role in the 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh events and its commitments under regional security arrangements.

Image: (Global 1 News)