Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
In a statement issued on Saturday (30 May), Russia's Foreign Ministry said Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin had been summoned to Moscow because of steps taken by the Armenian leadership toward closer ties with the EU.
Moscow said Armenia's European ambitions were undermining cooperation within the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The move comes a day after the EAEU warned that Armenia could face suspension from the bloc if it continues pursuing EU membership and called on Yerevan to hold a referendum on the issue.
The diplomatic dispute unfolds as Armenia heads toward a closely watched election on 7 June, with opinion polls showing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's pro-Western Civil Contract party leading its pro-Russian rivals.
Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have steadily worsened since Azerbaijan restored its sovereignty over Garabagh in 2023. Armenian officials have repeatedly accused Russia of failing to uphold its security commitments during the conflict, while Moscow has criticised Armenia's deepening engagement with Western partners.
Russia has increased pressure on Armenia in recent weeks, warning it could suspend preferential supplies of oil, gas and other key imports if Yerevan continues moving closer to the EU.
Moscow has also introduced restrictions on several Armenian agricultural exports.
The United States and the European Union have meanwhile expanded engagement with Armenia, supporting economic, political and connectivity initiatives in the South Caucasus. Russia argues that Western countries are attempting to weaken its influence in the former Soviet space.
Armenian authorities did not immediately respond to the recall of the Russian ambassador.
Kazakhstan and Germany have agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals, industry, energy and transport, with Astana seeking a greater German...
Global cholera deaths reached their highest annual level in more than 20 years in 2025, despite a decline in reported cases, according to the World...
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has proposed building a new 1,000-megawatt nuclear power unit in Armenia as Yerevan weighs competing inte...
A Russian guided aerial bomb has struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, injuring 22 people, including children, according to the city’s mayor. The strike follows a day of near-continuous Russian attacks across Ukraine that killed at least five people.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 28 September 2026. These are the top stories making headlines in technology.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral ties and key regional and international developments, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić resigned on Sunday, ending his second and final five-year term and paving the way for an early presidential election as the country prepares for a snap parliamentary vote on 25 October.
U.S. President Donald Trump has denied reports that he offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions.
Kazakhstan and Germany have agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals, industry, energy and transport, with Astana seeking a greater German role in developing supply chains and higher-value production.
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has proposed building a new 1,000-megawatt nuclear power unit in Armenia as Yerevan weighs competing international offers, its head Alexey Likhachev said on Tuesday.
Freight on the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway could soon move faster across borders after Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed a new customs protocol aimed at cutting delays and streamlining transit.
Afghanistan and Belarus have agreed to expand health cooperation, with a focus on medicines, medical equipment and training healthcare workers, following talks between the two countries’ health ministers in Minsk on Tuesday (29 September).
Saudi Arabia is facing a widening security challenge from Yemen as Houthi forces consolidate recent territorial gains along the Red Sea coast and step up attacks on the kingdom.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment