Towards an Hostile Bloc: Ovechuk Threatens Armenia

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Ovechuk has stated that discussions regarding the undesirability of the presence of Russian companies in Armenia could raise questions about the operations of Armenian businesses in Russia. “If the Armenian railway is to be maintained, it will have to follow a path that serves the needs of its own economy, the real prospects of which are tied to the EAEU. Our interest lies in expanding trade with Armenia, as well as with all the countries in the region, but if we are told that the presence of Russian companies in Armenia does not align with Armenian interests, then it would be fair to question, based on the principle of reciprocity—if Russian companies and businessmen are not allowed to have a presence and profit in Armenia, then why can Armenian companies and businessmen have a presence and profit in Russia?”

Ovechuk emphasized that external economic ties are “a two-way street.” “Without reciprocal trade, there is no movement of goods, and the loading of the Armenian railway depends on that. Armenian businesses operating in Russia must pay attention to this. After all, this is how we see the matter, and this is something that needs to be openly discussed,” stated the Russian Deputy Prime Minister.

According to him, Moscow sees that Armenia is preparing to move towards the European Union, which has become a hostile bloc for Russia. “What we see around the twists of the concession for the Armenian railway fits within the political logic declared by the Armenian leadership regarding rapprochement with the European Union, which is experiencing significant economic decline and is turning into a hostile geopolitical bloc for Russia,” noted Ovechuk.

He also emphasized that “whether Armenians want to become part of a hostile bloc against Russia or not, this is the Armenians' own business.” “It is evident to us that they are being prepared for this, as the long-term severe consequences of such developments are also evident,” said the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government. According to Ovechuk, the signing of the agreement on the implementation of the “Trump’s Path” project has violated the regional balance in the South Caucasus.