The Armenian Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopyrkin on Wednesday to formally protest a Russian television program it claims violated Armenia’s territorial integrity.
The program, aired on Sunday, reportedly included remarks that were deemed a direct attack on Armenia’s sovereignty. In response, the Armenian Ministry issued a formal note of protest, signaling growing tension between the two nations.
At the same time, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk weighed in on Armenia’s recent political move. Armenia’s decision to advance a bill that would officially begin the process of joining the European Union was described by Overchuk as a “legally significant step.”
He also suggested that this decision could signal Armenia’s departure from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a key bloc led by Russia. Overchuk emphasized that Armenia’s future steps would determine whether it sought to leave the EAEU entirely or remain within the union while seeking other international alliances.
Overchuk further pointed out the economic implications of Armenia’s EU aspirations. He noted that Armenia’s trade turnover with Russia and the EAEU is significantly higher than its trade with the European Union, underscoring the economic benefits Armenia has reaped from its Alexey Overchuk membership.
For example, trade between Russia and Armenia amounted to $11.6 billion in the past year, compared to a smaller, declining trade relationship with the EU. He also suggested that the uncertainty surrounding Armenia’s EU accession could lead to caution among Russian businesses, which may reconsider their economic ties with Armenia due to the changing geopolitical landscape.
This evolving situation highlights the complex and often contradictory positions Armenia finds itself in, balancing its historical ties with Russia and its aspirations for closer integration with the West.
As Armenia moves forward with its EU ambitions, the political and economic ramifications for the region, as well as Armenia’s relationship with Russia, will be closely watched.
