Russia will take back all its “gifts” and privileges from Armenia if the latter starts playing in favor of the West. This was stated to TASS by Aleksei Chepa, deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs, commenting on the statement by the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, that it makes no sense for Moscow to “cast pearls” in front of the current leadership of Armenia.

Chepa said that it will be impossible for Armenia to “sit on two chairs” at the same time—both in the European Union and in the Eurasian Economic Union.

“They [i.e. Armenia] want to receive all the privileges from Russia and play in favor of the West. Let them play. But in that case, we will naturally take back all our ‘gifts’ that we have given to [that] country for many years. And it will be very difficult for [Armenian PM Nikol] Pashinyan,” the Russian MP noted.

According to Chepa, Armenia's statements that someone will oppose their participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) are unfounded.

"There will be no one [there], let them [i.e. Armenia] leave [the CSTO]. If they don't want [the CSTO], let them leave. No one is holding anyone back," the Russian lawmaker added.