Armenia Moves Away from Russia Without EU Invitation: Sharp Criticism from Zatulyn

The first deputy chairman of the Committee on Commonwealth Affairs of the State Duma of Russia, Konstantin Zatulyn, has stated that Armenia's aspirations to join the European Union are obstructing the maintenance of normal relations with Moscow. According to him, Armenian authorities are openly demonstrating a change in their foreign policy vector, which affects bilateral cooperation, writes "RIA Novosti."

The Russian official reminded that Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan had ratified a law adopted by the parliament on intentions to join the EU as early as April 2025. Zatulyn claimed that this step was taken when there had been no official offer or invitation for membership from European structures.

In this context, the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, also expressed the opinion that the leadership of Armenia has made a political decision to draw closer to countries whose actions are directed against the Russian Federation.

Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had also commented on the issue. In a speech on May 9, he mentioned that it would be appropriate for Yerevan to clarify the citizens' position regarding cooperation with the EU through a referendum. According to the Russian leader, such a process would allow Moscow to draw appropriate conclusions and shape further economic and political relations.