Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia amid growing ties with the EU
Russia has recalled its ambassador from Armenia for consultations in Moscow amid reports of Yerevan’s growing ties with the European Union. The Russian Foreign Ministry attributes this move to political differences between the two countries. In effect, this is yet another sign of tension in relations between Moscow and Yerevan.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the recall of its ambassador from Armenia, citing the need for consultations in Moscow due to actions by the Armenian leadership which, in the Russian view, indicate a strengthening of the country’s course toward rapprochement with the European Union.
The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that such steps by Yerevan, as they put it, allegedly undermine cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union, which remains a key economic platform for Russia and a number of post-Soviet countries. “To discuss the Armenian leadership’s steps aimed at rapprochement with the European Union”—this is how the Russian Foreign Ministry explained the reason for summoning the diplomat to Moscow.
At the same time, the Russian ministry effectively acknowledged that this was a political reaction to a shift in Armenia’s foreign policy, as the country has recently been actively developing ties with Western partners.
Moscow also stated that such developments, in their view, create additional risks for regional cooperation, while in Armenia there is increasing talk of diversifying foreign policy and seeking new partnerships outside of Russia’s traditional sphere of influence.
In Yerevan, the U.S. and Armenia signed a Charter on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which opens a new phase in relations between the countries. The agreements cover security, critical resources, and major international projects.
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