The Armenian authorities speak of a desire to maintain relations with Russia, but their words and deeds differ, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at Thursday’s press briefing.

“We hear statements from Armenian officials that Yerevan intends to maintain relations with Russia and that they will not allow anyone to use Armenia against our country. However, we are used to judging not only by words, but also by deeds. And deeds [Armenia], for some reason, are increasingly moving away from those words,” the Russian MFA spokesperson said.

According to her, Russia has never been against “Armenia diversifying its foreign relations, but the current policy of Armenia’s authorities can hardly be called that, and in the context of Russia it is generally difficult to talk about it being balanced.”

Zakharova noted that Russia still considers Armenia its ally and its attitude towards Yerevan has not changed.

“Russia’s attitude towards Armenia and its citizens has not changed. As before, so now we consider this country our natural partner in the South Caucasus, and the Armenian people a fraternal people. We wish them only peace and prosperity,” the Russian MFA spokesperson said.