Armenia's EU push stirs turbulence in Russia ties, MP says

PanARMENIAN.Net - There is some turbulence in Armenian-Russian relations due to Armenia’s aspirations for EU integration, according to Russian State Duma deputy and head of the Eurasia NGO Council Alyona Arshinova.

Speaking to reporters at the "Eurasia: A Space of Values" forum in Moscow, she pointed out that despite Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Yerevan’s European orientation is creating tension.

At the same time, Arshinova praised the close relationship between the Armenian and Russian peoples, Sputnik Armenia reports. "It’s more than just a brotherly relationship. We essentially live together," she said.

Arshinova highlighted Armenia’s rapid GDP growth—among the highest in the world—with some sectors growing over 20%, driven by parallel imports and cooperation within the EAEU.

She noted the current interstate tensions stem from Armenia’s political leadership. "There are statements suggesting continued development of the EAEU, yet we see the Armenian National Assembly adopting measures toward European integration," she added.

State Duma Deputy Speaker Boris Chernyshov emphasized that Russia is not pressuring Armenia and wants its allies to prosper. "We are doing everything so Armenia remains free, independent, sovereign, and develops. But there are forces that don’t want a truly sovereign Armenia and are trying to sever its historical ties with Russia," he said.

He cited attempts to abandon shared Soviet-era heritage—specifically, efforts to cancel Victory Day celebrations on May 9. "May 9 symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Those who try to distort this are erasing the bonds between peoples who fought in the same trenches for the USSR, for their homeland, and their children’s future," Chernyshov stated.

He affirmed that Armenians and Russians remain brotherly nations, adding that his great-grandfather fought alongside Armenian soldiers during the Great Patriotic War.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan clarified that adopting a law on launching Armenia’s EU accession process does not equate to automatic membership—such a decision would require a national referendum. The Kremlin responded by stating that dual membership in the EAEU and EU is impossible. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk warned that such legislation could be seen as the beginning of Armenia’s exit from the EAEU.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow sees the EU’s growing presence in Armenia as a geopolitical maneuver to weaken Russia’s role as the region’s key security guarantor.