Russian parliament speaker calls Armenia's EU aspirations “dishonourable”

Russia's State Duma Chairman, Vyacheslav Volodin, has accused Armenia's leadership of seeking to maintain economic ties with Russia while using those relations as a pathway toward eventual membership in the European Union.

In an interview with Russian state broadcaster Vesti, Volodin criticised what he described as Armenia's attempt to balance participation in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with its growing engagement with the EU.

"They say they want to remain in the Eurasian Economic Union and continue building relations with Russia. What kind of relations are these? Exploitative ones?" Volodin said. "To use our country to get through this stage and then join the European Union is dishonourable."

The senior Russian lawmaker argued that Moscow provides substantial economic support to Armenia, pointing to discounted energy supplies and access to the Russian market for Armenian exports.

According to Volodin, Russian natural gas is sold to Armenia at a price four times lower than market alternatives, while Russia remains a key destination for Armenian goods.

"If that is the path they have chosen, they should openly tell their citizens and give up these benefits," Volodin said. "Then they can join the European Union if they believe its values are closer to them."

By Sabina Mammadli