Russian senator: Armenia would have to back EU sanctions on Moscow if it joins EU

A senior Russian senator has said Armenia would be obliged to align with European Union sanctions policy against Russia if it moves towards membership of the bloc, warning that closer integration with the EU would come with binding political and economic commitments.

Andrey Klimov, deputy chair of the Federation Council committee on international affairs, said that Armenia was among several countries which do not formally impose sanctions on Russia but, in practice, often comply with elements of Western restrictions, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“Armenia is not the only country that does not introduce sanctions, but effectively implements them,” Klimov said, according to Lenta.ru. “This is the harsh truth of life. Some comply 100%, some 50%, some alternate between compliance and non-compliance. There are many such countries in the world.”

He added that Moscow does not publicly criticise such states, citing respect for national sovereignty.

However, Klimov argued that any state joining, or moving towards joining, the European Union would be required to fully adopt its rules, including sanctions policy against Russia. He said this would make simultaneous participation in other integration frameworks, such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), impossible.

“The European Union is a kind of team engaged in competitive struggle on the global stage,” he said. “It has its own goals, tasks, conditions and obligations.”

His comments come after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said earlier that Armenia would not impose sanctions on Russia, while also avoiding steps that would expose it to punitive measures.

Klimov also reiterated a long-standing position in Moscow that Armenia’s potential EU trajectory would effectively require it to leave the Eurasian Economic Union, a Russia-led trade bloc.

He further referenced remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the issue should be decided via referendum, given what he described as the long-term consequences for Armenian society.

Warning against geopolitical isolation, Klimov said Armenia is located in a region surrounded by countries that are not EU members, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Türkiye, and questioned whether EU alignment would serve the country’s stability.

“I think we in Moscow are more concerned about the future, calm and stability of the Armenian people than those currently governing in their name,” he added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev