Moscow: EU offers Armenia no real alternative to cooperation with Russia

Russia and Armenia are bound by obligations in the field of security, and the European Union does not offer Yerevan any tangible alternative in this area, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

In an interview with TASS, Director of the Fourth CIS Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Mikhail Kalugin, said that Russia and Armenia are linked by a number of agreements “which safeguard the security of the republic.”

“An important element of this architecture remains the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). For us, Armenia’s decision to ‘freeze’ its membership in the organisation does not change the essence of its obligations. It is difficult to imagine what could replace such guarantees. As we have seen during the EU-hosted summits in Yerevan, no tangible alternative is being offered,” the diplomat said.

He added that Russia “not only can offer, but has for many years been effectively ensuring stability and security in Armenia.”

Kalugin also referred to agreements on security cooperation, including the 1992 agreements on guarding Armenia’s borders with Türkiye and Iran by Russian border troops, the 1995 agreement on the Russian military base, and the 1997 treaty on friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance.

He said Russia remains Armenia’s main trade and economic partner, noting that in 2025, 36% of Armenia’s foreign trade turnover was with Russia, compared to about 10% with the EU. He also stated that 98% of agricultural exports and 78% of strong alcoholic beverage exports go to the Russian market, and that most foreign trade settlements are conducted in national currencies.

“Dozens of domestic business projects have been launched in Armenia, with a cumulative investment volume of $4.2 billion. Russia is a guarantor of energy and food security. At the same time, essential goods and energy resources for Armenia are supplied at prices significantly below market levels,” Kalugin concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada