Russia warns Armenia of losing air links in case of EU membership

Russia has warned that Armenia could lose its air connections with Russia if it joins the European Union, according to a senior government official.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said that such a scenario would stem from the current absence of direct air links between Russia and EU member states.

“Thus, if Armenia becomes a member of the European Union, it will also have no air communication with Russia,” Overchuk said in an interview with Channel One.

He acknowledged the severity of the message, adding: “Perhaps this sounds very harsh, but we want people in Armenia to understand: if this happens, it will be linked to decisions on moving closer to the European Union.”

By Vugar Khalilov