Putin invokes the “Ukrainian scenario” after Armenia's approach to the EU. Moscow recalls its ambassador from Yerevan
Russia announced on Saturday that it is calling its ambassador to Armenia for consultations on Yerevan's ties with the European Union (EU), a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin once again warned the Caucasus country against getting closer to Brussels, reports AFP, according to News.ro.
“The ambassador of Russia to the Republic of Armenia, (Serghei) Kopîrkin, was summoned to Moscow for consultations on the measures taken with a view to a rapprochement with the European Union (EU), which undermines cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU),” the Russian Foreign Ministry announced in a statement.
The diplomat was summoned after Russian President Vladimir Putin toughened his tone against Armenia at an EEU summit with its allies.
Vladimir Putin said in Kazakhstan on Friday that the “Ukrainian scenario” began with an attempt by Kiev to join the EU.
He thus increases the pressure against Yerevan and asks Armenia to organize a referendum on this issue “as soon as possible”.
He appreciated that Armenia must choose between the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union led by Moscow, because “it is impossible to reconcile both”.
Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have deteriorated in recent years
The recall of the Russian ambassador is the latest episode in the increasingly strained relationship between the two traditional allies.
In early May, Russia protested after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to Yerevan and accused Armenia of giving the Ukrainian leader a “platform for anti-Russian remarks.” Moscow then summoned Armenia's ambassador to Russia to express its protest against what it described as “terrorist threats against Russia” made by Zelenski in Yerevan.
Moscow has repeatedly expressed its concern over Armenia's approach to the European Union. These fears were heightened after Yerevan hosted the meeting of the European Political Community on May 4, which was attended by more than 40 European leaders, including Zelenski.
Later, an EU-Armenia summit took place, after which Brussels took note of Armenia's European aspirations.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoian recently said that his country remains a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, but “European aspirations have not disappeared.”
“The most important thing for us is that Armenia does not take an anti-Russian position,” Peskov said at the time, adding that Russia was waiting for an explanation from Yerevan in this regard.
