Russian official claims Armenia risks losing its identity in EU integration path

Armenia will lose its national identity if it joins the European Union, just as it has already lost the right to refer to its brandy as “cognac,” said Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin.

In an interview with Vesti, the Russian politician stated that the European Union promises Armenia economic growth, similar to assurances previously made to Ukraine. However, he claimed that Ukrainian products were ultimately not admitted to European markets due to their “uncompetitive” nature.

“What will Armenia sell? They sell wine to us. [French President Emmanuel] Macron came, they embraced [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan], so conclude an agreement and supply wine to France. No—now even their cognac has already become brandy, because the French said it is brandy. They will lose their identity just as Ukraine has lost it,” Volodin said.

He further emphasized that the Armenian people should be distinguished from the country’s “ruling elite,” which he described as “leading the country to the brink of disaster.”

Volodin also stated that Russia continues to support Armenia and its population, while opposing what he described as “lies and double standards” in bilateral relations.

“We are only in favor of honest, open relations and, of course, mutually beneficial cooperation. Friendship is a two-way street,” the State Duma speaker added.

By Vafa Guliyeva