Statements by the Armenian authorities about the importance of maintaining and developing relations with Russia do not align with the actions of the country’s leadership, which is seeking closer integration with the European Union, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“We hear statements from Armenian officials about the importance of Moscow as a partner and Yerevan’s intention to preserve and develop relations with Russia. However, unfortunately, we do not see the actions and practical steps of the Armenian leadership, which has openly expressed its desire to join the EU, corresponding to these declarations,” the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry said.