Russia has delayed or frozen several initiatives related to Armenia due to decisions made in Yerevan, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who said Armenian authorities continue to deepen engagement with Western partners while suspending joint projects with Moscow.
Speaking to RIA Novosti, Zakharova said Russia-related projects faced repeated delays despite assurances from Armenian officials that discussions would resume after the elections.
“Serious initiatives with our participation are postponed or frozen. At the same time, we are told as a slogan: ‘We will return to considering them after the elections.’ However, no one in Yerevan will slow down regarding the implementation of European standards.”
Her comments are the latest sign of growing friction between Moscow and Yerevan, whose relationship has become increasingly strained in recent years as Armenia has sought closer ties with Europe and other Western partners. Russia has repeatedly expressed concern about Armenia’s political and economic engagement with the West, arguing that such moves could undermine long-standing cooperation between the two countries.
Zakharova said that the Armenian authorities continue to sign new agreements and cooperation frameworks with Western governments, including in sectors where Russia has traditionally played an important role.
“Yerevan signs various memorandums and ‘framework plans’ with Western countries, including cooperation in areas where Moscow has always been a traditional and reliable partner,” the diplomat said.
According to Zakharova, Armenia’s outreach to Western countries has accelerated even as discussions on Russian-backed initiatives remain stalled.
“Even before the voting day, a whole ‘parade’ of announcements was organized about the strategic partnership concluded with Western countries. Even with those countries that dream of defeating Russia, they are introducing new packages of sanctions against our country,” Zakharova explained.
These comments reflect Moscow’s broader criticism of Armenia’s foreign policy direction. Russian officials have repeatedly argued that Yerevan is moving closer to European institutions and adopting policies in line with Western governments, while reducing engagement in Russian-led initiatives and efforts. Current forms of regional integration.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly since Armenia began reevaluating parts of its security and foreign policy strategy Regional developments in the South Caucasus. The Armenian government has pursued deeper cooperation with the EU and other European partners while emphasizing that it seeks to maintain practical relations with Russia.
But Moscow did it It is increasingly photographed Armenia’s European ambitions run counter to some existing forms of regional integration. Russian officials warned that a close alliance with the European Union could carry political and economic consequences ConsequencesEspecially in light of the long-standing economic relations between Armenia and Russia.
Zakharova’s recent statements indicate that Russia remains dissatisfied with the pace and direction of bilateral cooperation, especially regarding projects in which Moscow expects continued Armenian participation.
While she did not specify which specific initiatives have been postponed or frozen, her comments highlighted the Kremlin’s concern that Armenia continues to strengthen cooperation with Western capitals while postponing decisions on projects involving Russia.
The Armenian government has not publicly responded to Zakharova’s recent comments. However, Armenian officials have consistently argued that expanding relations with Europe and other international partners does not necessarily preclude maintaining constructive relations with Moscow.
For now, Zakharova’s statement highlights the widening gap between the two countries, as Armenia continues to seek closer engagement with Western partners and Russia expresses growing frustration over what it sees as a freeze on key bilateral initiatives.
