It is obvious to Moscow that Armenia is being prepared to join the European Union, which Russia now considers a hostile bloc, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said.
He warned that the implementation of such a scenario would lead to serious consequences, according to TASS.
“What we are seeing, including developments around the railway concession, fits into the logic of the Armenian leadership’s declared policy of rapprochement with the EU — a bloc that is experiencing economic decline and is transforming into a hostile military-political alliance toward Russia,” Overchuk said.
According to him, whether Armenians want to become part of a bloc hostile to Russia “is a matter for the Armenians themselves.”
“For us, it is obvious that they are being prepared for this, and the long-term serious consequences of such developments are also evident,” he added.
Overchuk stressed that within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), no decision can be adopted that contradicts Armenia’s interests.
“When decisions are made within our common economic integration association, the Eurasian Economic Union, the principle of consensus applies. Armenia’s vote is equal to that of Russia and all other member states, regardless of the size of their economies or countries,” he emphasized.
He also noted that Moscow does not hinder Yerevan in seeking new partners and expanding foreign markets, including with the United States and the European Union.
“We have also proposed to continue developing together and earning income, and for that it is necessary that our business can operate there and Armenian business can operate here. We have been told that the presence of Russian business prevents Armenia from realizing its competitive advantages.
At the same time, Russia has opened its market to Armenian goods, services, capital, and labor. This is evidenced by figures reflecting the closeness of our countries and peoples,” Overchuk said.
In this context, he reiterated that international relations are based on the principles of equality and reciprocity.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “We see that discussions are underway in Armenia regarding the development of relations with the European Union. We treat this quite calmly and understand that any country seeks to maximize benefits from cooperation with third countries. However, it should be obvious and stated honestly from the outset that it is impossible to be simultaneously in a customs union with the European Union and in the EAEU. This is simply impossible. The issue is not even political, but purely economic in nature.”
