On May 15, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated that the European Union is attempting to draw Armenia into its orbit, warning that Yerevan risks losing the advantages it currently enjoys within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Speaking to journalists after participating in the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov described Russia’s relations with Armenia as "close and allied in nature," while also acknowledging that ties between the two countries have become increasingly complicated.

According to Lavrov, the difficulties stem from what he described as Western efforts to "bring Armenia under its sway" and weaken its economic, trade, and investment relations with partners in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the EAEU. "We have relations with Armenia — relations that are close and allied in nature — yet they are simultaneously complex," Lavrov stated, adding that the West is trying to sever Armenia’s "mutually beneficial economic, trade, and investment ties" with regional partners.

Lavrov also stated that EAEU member states would have the opportunity to openly discuss concerns regarding Armenia’s growing ties with the European Union during the upcoming summit of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Kazakhstan at the end of May. "I believe that now presents an optimal opportunity to discuss the problems arising from the fact that the European Union is insisting on drawing Armenia into its orbit — even at the cost of jeopardizing the benefits Armenia currently enjoys through the Eurasian Economic Union," Lavrov emphasized.

The Russian Foreign Minister additionally commented on the possible absence of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from the summit, stating that he had heard Pashinyan may not attend due to domestic pre-election activities. "That would, of course, be regrettable, as it represents an excellent opportunity to discuss the issues currently hanging in the air," Lavrov stated.