We have drawn attention to a number of recent statements by the Armenian leadership. When making these statements in Yerevan, certain judgments were voiced, and we believe that the purpose of these judgments is obvious, stated Alexey Fadeev, Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

“The purpose is to shift the responsibility onto certain other entities. They [i.e. Armenia] explain this by saying that, allegedly, the problems in relations with the EU and Russia arose because Armenia, as they say, only tried to find alternatives both in political and economic terms.

But here it is worth noting that, of course, ensuring the multi-vector development of a state is the task and priority of the political leadership of any country. However, one should not distort the concepts with this, because if behind the beautiful word ‘diversification’ is hidden a turnabout [by Armenia] from Eurasian integration and a turnabout from a traditional ally [i.e. Russia] to turn toward the European Union, which is, in fact, openly hostile to Russia, which, moreover, is seriously considering the possibility of a direct clash with Russia, then the conclusion here is obvious.

Therefore, this is a blatant deception both towards partners in Eurasian integration and towards its own population. Accordingly, it is no coincidence that the socioeconomic consequences of such a ‘flight’ to Europe are hidden from the citizens of Armenia, and the current difficulties with [Armenia’s] exports are presented as restrictions imposed on Moscow,” Fadeev added.

“But it must be understood that these are not our [i.e. Russia’s] restrictions, this is the reality that awaits the [Armenian] republic in the event of a break in traditional ties. And we have repeatedly called on the Armenian leadership to speak honestly about all the positive and negative aspects of reorienting towards the EU.

Unfortunately, this has not been done and is not being done to this day. And Armenia’s leadership itself has publicly admitted that there are a number of problems in connection with the quality of certain categories of [Armenian] goods.

Moreover, Yerevan is turning down exclusive relations with Moscow, since they allegedly hinder the search [of Armenia] for alternative vectors. Instead, the population and ordinary citizens [of Armenia] are offered numerous declarations signed on allied cooperation with Western countries.

However, it is important to give an account of ourselves that these documents, full of impressive and resonant expressions, do not have legally binding force. Yes, and in practice these declarations do not lead to any results, unlike the huge package of Armenian-Russian treaties and agreements,” concluded the deputy director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian MFA.