In an interview with Radio Mayak, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Yerevan believes it is conducting a multi-vector foreign policy. His remarks followed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent suggestion that Armenia may be more likely to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) than to simply suspend its membership.
Peskov commented that, while such decisions are Armenia’s sovereign right, the country also remains interested in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). “They believe they are pursuing a multi-vector policy,” he said.
He added that Armenia has been trying in recent years to balance its foreign policy directions. According to Peskov, the benefits of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are already evident, while the outcomes of closer EU integration remain to be seen.
“In recent years, we've noticed Armenia striving to balance in various directions. We already understand the concrete benefits of EAEU membership. Let’s now see what results EU rapprochement will bring. Everything is known in comparison,” he said in response to whether Pashinyan's recent statements seemed overly blunt.
Peskov emphasized that, despite multilateral formats, Russia remains committed to deepening bilateral relations with Armenia. “Beyond multilateral platforms, we share close bilateral ties, and we intend to keep developing them,” he said.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has confirmed Armenia's intention to join the EU, calling it a complex process. In January, Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk said Moscow views the discussion of EU membership as Armenia’s first step away from the EAEU and will adjust its economic policies accordingly.
