Galuzin: Armenia is a  geopolitical tool for the West in its  confrontation with Moscow

ArmInfo. Russia still views  Yerevan  as Moscow's natural ally in the South Caucasus, as  stated by Mikhail Galuzin Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. "The strategic status of our relations is outlined in a strong legal framework. We have always advocated for a strong and truly sovereign Armenian state. We are convinced that there is no alternative to the  allied cooperation between Russia and Armenia.

The close ties between our countries and peoples largely form the foundation for the stable  development of Armenia and the region as a whole. Bilateral  cooperation and well-coordinated work within the framework of common  Eurasian structures are the key to Armenia's future prosperity," the  Russian diplomat said in an interview with TASS.

He added that the Armenian side has repeatedly stated its intention  to maintain the current level of relationship with Russia and  collaboration within the EAEU. Galuzin noted that just recently, Alen  Simonyan, Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, spoke publicly  about this during his visit to Moscow on February 5-6. "Recently,  Armenian Prime Minister Nikolai Pashinyan noted in an interview that  Armenia's stance does not imply harming Russia's interests. However,  we see that Yerevan is speeding up its military, political, and  economic rapprochement with Western countries and associations. We  have repeatedly told our Armenian partners that for the West-and they   no longer conceal this-Armenia is a geopolitical instrument in the  confrontation with Moscow," he said.

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister also expressed confidence that  Yerevan is aware of Russia's fundamental stance regarding the  incompatibility of EU accession with membership in the Eurasian  Economic Union. The diplomat added that joining another integration  could lead to difficulties in adhering to the norms and rules of the  EAEU, resulting in corresponding consequences. "We expect the country  to proceed from a pragmatic approach: high growth rates in the  Armenian economy, low inflation, a strong national currency, and a  vast market for Armenian products-all of this is guaranteed by  cooperation with Russia and within the EAEU," he concluded.

Earlier, Moscow, through Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk,  stated that it views Yerevan's decision to launch the process of  joining the European Union (EU) as the first step towards Armenia's  withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In December 2025,  Overchuk noted that Armenia must eventually choose between the EAEU  and the EU. And Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated on  January 14 that Armenia aims to be a full member of the European  Union and will continue to be part of the EAEU until compatibility  issues arise.