The problem is not at all in the relations between the peoples of Russia and Armenia. Deputy chairman of the State Duma of Russia, Petr Tolstoy, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am on the sidelines of the Second Russia-Armenia Public Forum in Moscow Friday.

"The peoples of Russia and Armenia are united; and in this sense, our centuries-old history proves every time that both countries need each other and that there will be no Armenia without Russia—but the current political leadership of Armenia thinks differently and carries out rapprochement toward the West.

Since we [i.e. Russia] and the West are actually at war now, and they are fighting Russia with the hands of Ukrainians in the former territory of Ukraine, there is some political tension here.

But it seems to me that no [Armenian] authorities, even dynamic and Western-oriented authorities like the current authorities, will be able to pursue such a course that will not have the support of the people of Armenia. And the people of Armenia known for centuries who, when, and why came out in their defense and how the relations between the two countries were built. Therefore, I am sure that we have a basis, and all these political misunderstandings are temporary.

And no effort of the West to organize pro-Western parties in Armenia, all this talk about the ‘European dream,’ European orientation, the attempt to influence the youth of Armenia with an anti-Russian attitude, all this will not work because history is on our side," Tolstoy said.

He assured that the State Duma of Russia is in favor of improving Russian-Armenian relations.

"We have direct contacts with all our colleagues in Armenia’s parliament. It is not our wish that Armenia’s leadership change course. We are ready for dialogue and open for it," the Russian lawmaker added.

According to him, the ball is in Armenia's court.

"A lot needs to be done. For example, to close 2,500 wrong organizations that receive Western funding in the territory of Armenia. This would be a signal for us—but I believe the people of Armenian will realize it without our advice.

I believe that the number one problem in Armenia is the illusion of salvation of cooperation with the West and the course towards Europe, which [Armenian PM] Mr. [Nikol] Pashinyan and his supporters consider correct for Armenia. For example, I don't think so," concluded the deputy speaker of the Russian State Duma.