Armenia will not get great economic benefits from joining the Customs Union, Carnegie Center expert Alexey Malashenko said.

The decision made by Yerevan is an absolute victory of Russia in the implementation of its project on Eurasian integration, especially against the background of what is happening in the relationship with Ukraine and Belarus.

Armenia’s decision was expected, given its strategic partnership with Russia and the Karabakh issue. The status quo will not change because of joining the Customs Union. The decision will face criticism from the West, but it will not last long.

Vlasov noted that CSTO celebrated victory in the battle between the Eurasian and European project. Armenian leader’s decision means that after the recent Putin’s visit to Azerbaijan, Yerevan began doubting that Russia will continue to act as guarantor of Armenia’s security.

The economic benefit of Armenia will be the fact that Russian companies will finally upgrade their enterprises in the country. Now this will be politically motivated, the expert concluded.