Tensions escalated after the Armenian parliamentary speaker accused Belarus of hostile steps, signaling a growing diplomatic rift with regional implications.
As the media notes, Azatutyun.
Relations between Armenia and Belarus are deteriorating not because of statements by officials, but due to concrete unfriendly steps, according to a statement published on May 6 by the head of Armenia’s National Assembly, Alen Simonyan.
“A disrespectful attitude toward Armenia, a partner in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, toward Armenian statehood is worsening relations. The preparation for the 44-day war together with Azerbaijan is worsening relations”
– Armenian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
“Political course is a matter of each state’s choice. For the Republic of Armenia, human rights and freedoms are the most important values. And I believe that every state chooses its own path. We chose the path of democratizing Armenia; they are something else”
– Alen Simonyan
Context of events and reactions from the sides
On May 5, Belarus’s Foreign Ministry summoned the temporary chargé d’affaires of Armenia, Artur Sargsyan, and handed him a protest note.
“A firm protest was expressed to the Armenian diplomat and the corresponding note was handed over in connection with the latest unfriendly actions by the Armenian side”
– Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“We will not allow Armenia to become a province. We will not be governed the way Belarus is governed”
– Alen Simonyan
On May 4, Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ruslan Voronkov called these words “pre-election populism and a desperate attempt to distract their own voters from serious internal problems”.
“pre-election populism and a desperate attempt to distract their own voters from serious internal problems”
– Ruslan Voronkov
“Armenia will not be a province. Armenia will not be politically dependent”
– Alen Simonyan
“Armenia will raise the level of its political sovereignty in all spheres, and the example of governance by Belarus is unacceptable for my country and for me. Armenia is a free country with free media, human rights and the rule of law”
– Alen Simonyan
Analyst Valer Karbalyevich of the Belarusian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty believes that the reason for the Belarusian authorities’ irritation is that Yerevan has freedom of choice and the possibility of political maneuvering between Russia and Europe, something Minsk, which is completely dependent on Moscow, cannot allow itself. According to Karbalyevich, the demarche of the Belarusian MFA also reflects the Russian position. This is not the first time when the Belarusian authorities say something that is easier to say to Moscow.
In the context of public statements between Yerevan and Minsk, tensions are rising – regional politics are taking on a more complex character: one side seeks greater sovereign governance, the other – dependence on external factors and internal realities.
Overall, this story highlights a sharp debate between Armenia’s pursuit of democracy and Belarus’s stable political course, while also reflecting the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region and Russia’s influence on regional decisions.
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