Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin criticized Armenia and warned of the “inadmissibility” of a course towards European integration without agreement with the Kremlin, threatening a “Ukrainian scenario.”
He made this statement, according to Russian media reports, during a press conference on May 9.
Putin warned that such a policy could lead to a scenario similar to the events in Ukraine in 2014, implying a Russian armed invasion.
In his opinion, Armenia should take into account Moscow’s position on issues of European integration, which is why Putin considers it appropriate to hold a referendum. The dictator also stated that such a decision would be right both for the citizens of Armenia themselves and for the “main economic partner” – Russia.
“In my opinion, it would be right, both in relation to the population, the citizens of Armenia, and in relation to us, as the main economic partner, to decide as early as possible, for example, by holding a referendum,” Putin emphasized.
Kremlin Zugzwang: Putin is losing control of the Russian political system
At the same time, he added that although it is “not our business”, in principle it would be quite logical to hold a referendum and ask the citizens of Armenia what their choice would be. “Accordingly, we would draw the appropriate conclusions and follow the path of a soft, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce,” the Kremlin leader noted.
At the same time, he warned of the possible consequences in the event of a different development of events, drawing a parallel with Ukraine. “We are now experiencing everything that is happening in the Ukrainian direction. And where did it start? With Ukraine’s accession or attempt to join the EU,” Putin said, emphasizing that all this later led to “the coup d’état, the Crimean history, the position of southeastern Ukraine and hostilities.”
As a reminder, the first-ever bilateral summit between Armenia and the European Union took place in Yerevan on May 5. The event is being attended by the Armenian leadership and top EU officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
During the international summit in Yerevan, where leaders of democratic states and NATO leadership gathered, Ukraine and Armenia declared a transition to long-term cooperation. Political scientist Oleg Sahakyan analyzed the change in geopolitical accents in the region on the air of “Pryamoy”, pointing to the gradual displacement of Russian influence and the growth of Kyiv’s role as a security partner
It should be noted that on June 7, parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia, in which the country must decide whether to move closer to Europe or Russia. This state was until recently under the strong influence of the Russian Federation, and there is still a Russian military base with several thousand soldiers on its territory.
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