Russia warns Armenia’s EU aspirations threaten EEU economic gains

Armenia could forfeit the economic advantages it enjoys through the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) if it continues to pursue closer ties with the European Union, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko warned.

Responding to a question from Russia’s state news agency, Grushko said Moscow is “naturally concerned” about Yerevan’s European ambitions, which he described as incompatible with continued membership in the EEU, Caliber.Az reports.

“We are, of course, worried by Armenia’s move towards the EU because such aspirations are inconsistent with its obligations within the EEU,” Grushko told reporters. “We have communicated this concern to our Armenian colleagues on multiple occasions.”

He stressed that Armenia has seen robust economic growth in key sectors as a result of its participation in the Moscow-led bloc. “Thanks to the EEU, Armenia is developing at a dynamic pace.

This progress could be jeopardised if the West drags Armenia into its geopolitical games in an attempt to pull it away from Russia and its natural allies,” Grushko added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev