RF envoy: external forces attempt to sever Armenian-Russian ties

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia and Russia are entering a new phase of maturity in their relationship, despite certain challenges and differences in perspectives, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin has stated. He made these remarks in an interview with Sputnik Armenia.

Kopirkin emphasized that a sterile atmosphere is impossible in international relations.

He noted that while the information landscape is often complex, with external interference attempts, there is a shared commitment to de-escalate tensions and strengthen Armenian-Russian relations.

"A crisis is always both a challenge and an opportunity. It may open new prospects for advancing our relations to a more mature level, which is necessary given the existing challenges and issues," the diplomat stated.

Kopirkin reached this conclusion based on high-level meetings between leaders and foreign ministers of both countries.

The ambassador pointed out that external forces do not conceal their geopolitical intentions, particularly attempts to disrupt bilateral cooperation. He highlighted statements from former U.S. officials acknowledging such objectives. According to Kopirkin, neither Armenia nor Russia can expect their relations to exist in a vacuum, unaffected by external influences. However, there is a mutual understanding of the need to counteract external attempts to create tensions in Armenian-Russian relations.

He stressed that maintaining trust is key to strengthening bilateral ties, ensuring that both nations’ citizens have confidence that there are no hidden agendas.

Addressing discussions in Armenia’s parliament regarding a potential EU accession process, the ambassador recalled past Russian statements affirming Armenia’s sovereign right to make its own decisions, which Russia respects.

However, Kopirkin pointed out that Armenia cannot simultaneously be part of two customs unions, especially given the West and EU’s openly unfriendly stance towards Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He also recalled visits by Northern European and Baltic parliamentary leaders to Armenia, during which they advocated for severing Armenian-Russian ties. In his view, such a context makes decision-making highly complex.

Kopirkin underscored that, unlike the West, Russia has never taken steps to punish or sever ties with any country. "Russia’s policy is aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions rather than imposing sanctions," the ambassador added.

He acknowledged that challenges in Armenian-Russian relations are inevitable but noted that the maturity of these relations depends on the ability to address and resolve difficulties effectively.

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory, expressing Moscow’s expectation of Armenia’s participation. He stressed that this event is a crucial part of the shared history of the Armenian and Russian peoples.