Armenia’s current foreign policy course could eventually lead to the country’s irreversible involvement in Brussels’ anti-Russian agenda, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said while commenting on the European summit held in Yerevan and its impact on Armenian-Russian relations.
According to Zakharova, such a scenario would carry both political and economic consequences for Armenia, reports Sputnik Armenia.
“The European Union’s formula is simple and trivial. It is surprising that nobody understands it: squeeze everything possible out of Armenia and use it for their own interests, including Russophobic and anti-Russian goals, while giving nothing in return except public relations campaigns,” she said.
Zakharova described the summit itself as a political “show” filled with theatrical speeches, cameras and symbolic appearances by foreign guests visiting Armenia.
In her view, the event was political “packaging” that Brussels, Paris and other European representatives are attempting to “sell” to Armenia ahead of elections.
She also argued that European officials effectively demonstrated their readiness to support Armenia’s current authorities during the upcoming election campaign.
“The Euro-bureaucrats once again stated that Yerevan can rely on them during the upcoming election campaign. These Euro-officials are leaning on Armenia, but in the worst possible sense. One must be careful,” Zakharova said, describing the situation as another example of interference in Armenia’s internal affairs.
Commenting on the final declaration of the Armenia-EU summit, Zakharova claimed that Armenia, with the approval of its leadership, is becoming increasingly drawn toward foreign standards and mechanisms.
She clarified that she was not referring to European culture or civilization in general, but rather to what she described as “aggressive Euro-Atlantic approaches.”
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s assessment, Yerevan has violated previous commitments not to take steps directed against Russia.
Zakharova also criticized Armenia for hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the summit.
“The country that Moscow considered a friend provided a platform to a terrorist, the leader of a neo-Nazi regime,” she said, adding that Zelenskyy had received a warm welcome in Yerevan.
According to Zakharova, Zelenskyy used the visit to reintroduce what she described as anti-Russian rhetoric.
She further stated that his trip demonstrated the future that the European Union is allegedly preparing for Armenia.
“I personally believe it is good that Zelenskyy was in Yerevan these days. Let Armenian citizens see who Brussels considers a symbol of successful politics. Zelenskyy’s visit showed Armenians the future the European Union has prepared for them,” she said.
Zakharova additionally argued that ordinary Armenian citizens would not directly benefit from potential European financial assistance.
“Even if such aid comes in the form of loans, ordinary Armenian citizens will never see it. As a result of reckless policies, Armenians will be forced to work to secure Brussels’ interests, repay loan interest and personally finance this Euro-Atlantic tribute,” she added.
On May 4, Yerevan hosted the eighth summit of the European Political Community, followed by the first Armenia-European Union summit. Around 50 high-level delegations attended the event, including European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also visited Armenia for the first time.
