Russia says it’s sharing its views on EU engagement with Armenia

Armenia remains a full member of the CSTO, with all associated rights and obligations, and Moscow supports Yerevan’s full participation in the organization’s activities, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Armenia remains a CSTO member with all rights and obligations. We support Yerevan’s full involvement in the organization’s work, as it is an integral part of the country’s security,” the ministry said.

Moscow hopes that Yerevan’s course does not involve shifting toward alliances or organizations that aim to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia.

“The Armenian leadership’s policy of diversifying foreign relations does not imply a reduction in cooperation with traditional allies or a shift toward structures seeking to inflict a ‘strategic defeat’ on our country,” the ministry added.

The statement also noted that the Russian side “is clearly conveying its assessments regarding engagement with the European Union to its Armenian partners.”

“We are confident that countries in the South Caucasus, including Armenia, understand that behind the purported good intentions of Brussels and Washington lies cold calculation. For them, this region—historically and inextricably linked to Russia—is nothing other than a potential sensitive point that could be exploited to harm our country if pressure is applied,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated.