Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the upcoming signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Armenia and the United States, scheduled for January 14 in Washington. At a press conference summarizing Russian diplomatic activities in 2024, Lavrov emphasized Yerevan’s sovereign right to choose its partners for cooperation.
Commenting on the agreement, Lavrov stated that its practical implications matter more than its title or format. He reminded that Russia also had strategic partnership agreements with Western countries that did not involve actions against third parties.
The agreement, to be signed by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has been described by experts as the result of two years of active development in Armenia-U.S. relations.
Moscow’s reaction was more pointed regarding Armenia’s plans to join the European Union. Lavrov, referencing a statement by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, highlighted the incompatibility of a country simultaneously participating in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EU due to differences in trade duties and tariffs.
Overchuk recently claimed that Armenia’s consideration of a draft law to join the EU is seen by Russia as a preliminary step toward exiting the EAEU. He warned that such a move could lead to significant increases in energy and food prices in Armenia, as well as an estimated 70–80% reduction in Armenian exports.
Earlier, BMG reported that on January 9, the Armenian government approved and sent to parliament a draft law titled “On Initiating the Process of Accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union.” The initiative, which gathered over 52,000 citizen signatures, was proposed by the Platform of Democratic Forces, a coalition of four non-parliamentary parties and several civil society groups.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, supporting the initiative, emphasized that the draft law does not guarantee automatic EU membership. “A final decision can only be made through a referendum—there is no other option,” Pashinyan stated, reiterating his position that Armenia is prepared to engage with the EU to the extent Europe deems feasible.
