Armenian FM says no plans to strain ties with Russia amid EU engagement

Armenia has no intention of creating tensions in its relations with Russia even as it deepens cooperation with the European Union, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Yerevan with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, Mirzoyan stressed that diplomacy is not about “divorces” and that Armenia remains committed to constructive dialogue with Moscow.

“We are not going to introduce tension into Armenia-Russia relations. We are partners bound by many ties, and we are determined to develop these mutually beneficial relations in a healthy discussion environment,” Mirzoyan said.

He acknowledged that challenges exist but argued that “problems are present in all possible relationships in the world” and should be addressed through constructive engagement.

Mirzoyan also underlined Armenia’s sovereign right to make independent decisions, including on its future alignment with international blocs. “It is not for Russia to tell us that membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union is incompatible,” he said, adding that Armenia will continue its rapprochement with the EU and decide when the time comes whether to join one grouping or another.

His comments followed remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently said Armenia should decide “as soon as possible” whether to align with the EU or the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union, suggesting that such a choice could lead to a “soft and civilized divorce.”