Russia accused Armenia on Thursday of drifting into the European Union’s “anti-Russian orbit”, signalling growing tensions between the two countries as Yerevan strengthens ties with Europe.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Armenia was increasingly aligning itself with what she described as “aggressive Euro-Atlantic standards” with the approval of its leadership.
“Such a course will inevitably lead to negative political and economic consequences for Armenia,” Zakharova told reporters during a briefing in Moscow.
Her comments reflect the worsening relationship between Russia and Armenia, once considered close allies with deep military and political ties.
Armenian officials have in recent years criticised Moscow for failing to protect the country from neighbouring Azerbaijan, particularly during the conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Relations deteriorated further after Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers in the region.
At the same time, Armenia has sought to deepen cooperation with the European Union. Earlier this month, Yerevan hosted the European Political Community summit, bringing more than 40 European leaders to the Armenian capital, followed by a separate EU-Armenia summit.
Russia maintains military bases in Armenia, but political trust between the two countries has weakened significantly amid shifting regional alliances and security concerns.
