Political analyst: Russia to ruin Armenia due to its authorities’ actions

Armenian political analyst Argishti Kiviryan has said that the Armenian government’s decision revolted the Armenian guest workers in Russia.

“Isn’t it clear that Russia, if necessary, can do anything economically against Armenia by sending the guest workers back to Armenia via dozens of planes? Russia may increase the gas price for Armenia by several times. This caged monkey is doing the testing, and we have been seeing the results of those testing for six years,” Kiviryan said in an interview with the Armenian media, Caliber.Az reports.

“No one is talking about breaking off relations with the West. It is necessary to constantly try to intensify relations with the West. However, this must not be done at the expense of the main regional players, namely, Russia and Iran. They may sharply respond. It is necessary to take into account the interests of Russia and Iran, and then intensify relations with others. There is no other choice. To oppose these two countries means increasing the number of your opponents from 2 to 4. Perhaps Russia is unable to help Armenia with many issues or it helps as much as it can, but Russia may cause real damage due to the Armenian government’s actions,” the political analyst noted.

“The Armenian authorities do not understand the consequences if the Russians finally stop to protect them. The situation is similar with Iran. The Russians are not doing this for Armenia, the Russians consider this their territory. However, when Armenia says that the Russians have no interests here, then the Armenian authorities will understand the Russians’ ability and the consequences of the West’s harsh statements,” he said.

“The red lines for Russia are Armenia’s withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union [EAEU], the Collective Security Treaty Organisation [CSTO], as well as the prevention of circumvention of Western sanctions through Armenia. Until Armenia crosses these red lines, Putin's speech will not be heard. If these lines are crossed, then there will be either Putin's statements or actions. For now, there are still ways to return. Armenia says that the Russians should leave Zvartnots International Airport and Syunik [Zangezur], but they are still there. As soon as you see that the Russians left Zvartnots and Syunik, amid the sanctions, Armenia will penalise some companies importing goods to Russia, freeze its status in the EAEU, and then you will see the consequences,” Kiviryan added.