Russia said on Saturday it had recalled its ambassador to Armenia for “consultations” on Yerevan’s growing ties with the EU, a day after President Vladimir Putin warned the Caucasus country not to return to Brussels.
Armenia has angered the Kremlin by warming ties with the EU in recent years, frustrated with Russia’s perceived failure to protect it during conflicts with Azerbaijan.
“The Russian ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, S. Kopyrkin, has been summoned to Moscow for consultations on the steps taken by the Armenian leadership for a rapprochement with the European Union, undermining cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union,” Moscow’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, referring to the Russian-led customs union.
The diplomat was summoned after Putin escalated his rhetoric on Armenia during a summit with allies.
Speaking in Kazakhstan on Friday, Putin said the “Ukrainian scenario” began with Kiev’s bid to join the EU and called on Armenia to hold a referendum on the issue “as soon as possible”.
Putin said Armenia had to choose between the EU and the EEU, as it was “impossible to reconcile both”.
Armenia will hold elections next Sunday in a test of the premiership of Nikol Pashinyan, who has pursued ties with both Russia and the West.
Armenia held a European summit earlier this month, with the EU hailing a “step forward” in ties.
