Migration privileges currently granted to Armenian citizens in Russia could be canceled if Armenia loses its status as a strategic ally of Russia, Russian State Duma Deputy Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy said.

“I want to warn all those figures who today are trying to distance themselves from Russia that it will be much worse for Armenia if Russia begins to distance itself. The consequences will be far more serious. The current privileges for Armenian citizens, such as long-term residence without registration and simplified employment procedures in the Russian Federation, are based on the status of a strategic ally,” Tolstoy said during a roundtable discussion at the State Duma, according to Interfax.

He added that if this status is revised or removed at the initiative of Armenia’s political leadership, the privileges would be abolished and Armenian citizens would be transferred to the general migration regime applied to all foreigners.

“If this status no longer exists or is revised for some reason at the initiative of the Armenian political leadership, then, of course, such privileges will be canceled, and Armenian citizens will move to the general migration regime that applies to all foreign nationals,” he added.

Tolstoy recalled that there is a large Armenian community living in Russia. According to him, the presence and economic activities of Armenians and Armenian businesses in Russia are being called into question by anti-Russian statements and unfriendly actions.

“At the same time, we see that the advantages Armenia received through its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, which were also used by Armenia’s current leadership in domestic politics, can very easily disappear because of anti-Russian statements, pressure against the Russian language, sharply anti-Russian rhetoric and warm relations with Zelensky. Of course, all this cannot remain unanswered by the Russian Federation,” the lawmaker stated.

In his assessment, the Armenian people must decide how the situation should develop further.

“In this case, the people of Armenia must make a decision regarding the further development of the situation,” Tolstoy said.

He also noted that, as deputy speaker of the State Duma, he personally coordinates relations with Armenia.

Earlier, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had “taken the path of breaking relations” with Russia. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan responded by saying Armenia is not interested in severing political, economic or other ties with Russia.

“The information of that official is incorrect. Armenia is not interested in breaking political, economic or any other ties with Russia,” Mirzoyan said.