Armenia's Shift Towards EU Fuels Tensions with Russia

Russia's Foreign Ministry warns that Armenia is aligning with the EU's anti-Russian stance, heightening tensions between the two nations. This shift comes amid Armenia's accusations of Moscow's failure to protect it against Azerbaijan. The EU-Armenia summit symbolizes Armenia's deepening ties with Europe.

On Thursday, Russia's Foreign Ministry expressed concerns that Armenia is positioning itself within the European Union's 'anti-Russian orbit'.

Maria Zakharova, the ministry's spokesperson, highlighted escalating tensions between the two erstwhile allies after Armenia accused Russia of not shielding it from neighboring Azerbaijan. Zakharova asserted that Armenia, with its leadership's endorsement, was aligning with 'aggressive Euro-Atlantic standards'.

She cautioned that Armenia's trajectory might lead to adverse political and economic outcomes. Recently, Armenia has aimed to fortify its EU connections, notably by hosting the European Political Community summit on May 4 and the subsequent EU-Armenia summit, drawing over 40 European leaders to Yerevan. Relations between Russia and Armenia soured after Azerbaijan's forceful reclamation of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, despite Russian peacekeepers' presence.