Russia’s State Duma speaker says Armenia will lose its identity if it joins EU

Armenia will lose its identity if it joins the European Union, just as it has already lost the right to call its cognac “cognac,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the Russian State Duma.

The politician stated that the EU is promising Armenia economic growth, as it once did with Ukraine. However, Ukrainian products were never allowed into European markets because they were considered “uncompetitive.”

At the same time, Volodin stressed that the Armenian people should be distinguished from the “ruling elite,” whom he accused of “leading the country to disaster.” He also said that Russia supports both Armenia and its people, but opposes “lies and double standards” in relations.

“We are only in favor of honest, open relations and, of course, mutually beneficial cooperation. Friendship is a two-way street,” the State Duma speaker said.

According to him, Armenian authorities want to use Russia as a stepping stone toward joining the European Union, which he described as a consumerist approach.

“They make statements saying that we want to remain in the EAEU and build relations with Russia. What kind of relations—consumerist ones? To use our country to pass this stage and then join the European Union. That is not moral,” Volodin said.

He added that Russia helps Armenia and its people, noting that Russian gas is four times cheaper for Armenia and that Russia is also a key market for the country.

“Take it and refuse it, and openly tell your citizens about it. And join the European Union, if that is your moral compass,” the politician concluded.