Russia says Armenian leadership at crossroads over future direction

Armenia’s leadership is at a crossroads as it weighs its future path of development, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated.

Speaking to TASS, he said Armenia’s choice of a future path of development is important for Russia because they have been “neighbouring and brotherly countries” for centuries and remain closely connected through their peoples and economic integration, Caliber.Az reports.

“We are closely intertwined in this regard. Many Armenians live in our country, and Russians live in Armenia. We are also united by a very effective integration process,” he noted.

Peskov argued that Armenia’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth.

“We are convinced that this integration process, namely the EAEU, adds a substantial percentage to Armenia’s GDP growth every year,” he added.

The Kremlin spokesman further stated that Moscow remains interested in further cooperation with Yerevan and intends to continue developing bilateral relations.

“We have many shared interests. Russia is a major investor in Armenia. Therefore, there is much work to be done, and our relations will continue to develop,” he stessed.

Peskov also expressed hope that Armenia would ultimately choose to remain aligned with the EAEU, arguing that the bloc offers greater benefits than potential membership in the European Union.

“We are convinced that, in terms of all its qualitative characteristics, our integration process significantly surpasses other alternatives. We hope that, after assessing the situation, both the Armenian people and the current Armenian leadership will arrive at the same conclusion,” he said.

In spring 2025, Armenia adopted a law declaring its intention to seek membership in the European Union, although the bloc has not offered the country accession.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has previously acknowledged that simultaneous membership in the EU and the EAEU is incompatible, while stating that Yerevan would continue engaging with both organizations for as long as possible.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov