Russian Foreign Ministry Comments on Ararat Mirzoyan's Statement

During a press briefing, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Armenia is not betraying Russia and its Western partners, but rather its own people. This remark was in response to a question from NEWS.ru regarding statements made by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Zakharova emphasized that individuals like Mirzoyan are leading the Republic into a dead end.

“We must not forget about our allied relations with Armenia and its membership in the CSTO and EAEU. Moreover, the Republic benefits financially and economically from cooperation with the EAEU. Just recently, the authorities in Yerevan were speaking about the fundamental importance of these structures for the development of the economy and preventing isolation in the South Caucasus. Were they lying then or now? They are not betraying us, nor their partners in the West. They are betraying their own people, and that is the issue,” Zakharova stated.

Commenting on Mirzoyan's assertion that Moscow and Yerevan “speak different languages,” the diplomat noted that similar individuals are leading the Republic into a dead end. She expressed sadness at hearing such statements, especially given that April 3 marks the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Armenia.

In response to a question about severing relations with Russia, she said that she could not predict the future. “This is strange, as usually politicians in power not only predict the future but also create it. After all, they can talk about trends and, for example, assure that a negative scenario will not be realized. It is sad to hear statements from Armenian politicians today, on the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Armenia. It is clear that this reflects the current authorities in Armenia's desire to sacrifice all ties with Russia and other close allies and partners for the sake of transient bonuses that the EU and the USA have promised Yerevan,” the diplomat concluded.