Russian MFA: Relations between Russia and Armenia are challenging

ArmInfo.Russian-Armenian relations are currently facing challenges, largely attributed  to the actions of the West. The West has increased pressure on Armenia, prompting it to break traditional ties with Russia and adopt values  that are unfamiliar to the Armenian people. This was stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry in response to media inquiries prior to a press conference with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding the accomplishments of the work of Russian diplomacy in 2024.

 "Unfortunately, Armenia often shows favoritism towards the unfounded  promises of the US and the EU over Russia as a strategic partner.  However, the CSTO remains the cornerstone of Armenia's security, and  EAEU membership is the key to its economic prosperity. We have  consistently reminded our Armenian friends that neither Washington  nor Brussels think about the fate and interests of their allies. The  West views Armenia exclusively through the prism of practical  benefits. Yerevan likely has taken note of the events that took place  in Georgia at the end of last year, as well as the cynical statements  about the "low cost" for Europeans of the "project" to "separate"  Yerevan from Moscow, including advice to the Armenian population to  prepare for "several cold winters," the Russian Foreign Ministry  noted. 

The Ministry then highlighted the recent forecast by the American  analytical center "Stratfor",  known for its close ties with American  intelligence agencies. The forecast directly states that after the  change of administration, Washington is unlikely to maintain the same  level of interest in Armenia.

"Moscow has always valued and continues to value the fraternal  relations with Yerevan. We consider Armenia as one of our natural  strategic partners and allies." It was mentioned that this is  confirmed by the indicators of bilateral trade and economic  cooperation. Despite the fact that the calculations have not yet been  completed, it can already be said that the trade turnover for 2024  has reached an absolute record. At the same time, according to the  source, the volume of Armenia's trade with the EU and the United  States, which are urging the country to abandon the Russian market,  is significantly less and declining.  "Russia continues to be  Armenia's main trade and investment partner. The Armenian  chairmanship of the EAEU bodies in 2024 was highly valued. There is  no doubt that Armenia's participation in Eurasian integration has  significantly boosted  its GDP growth in recent years. We hope that  in the coming year we will be able to make significant progress in  implementing a number of important projects and increase the dynamics  of cultural, humanitarian and interregional exchanges," the Russian  Foreign Ministry concluded.