Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has described Russia as more than a strategic partner for Armenia, pointing to existing agreements that make the two countries allies while highlighting a series of problems in bilateral relations.

In an interview with Armenia’s Public Television, Mirzoyan said the decision to remove terms such as “strategic alliance” and “strategic partnership” from the government’s 2026–2031 programme should not be understood as meaning that Russia is no longer an ally. He pointed to bilateral agreements, including defense commitments, as well as Armenia’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union.

Mirzoyan also acknowledged that relations have faced difficulties in recent years. The Armenian foreign minister cited statements by Russian officials and politicians, Russian media coverage, and restrictions imposed on some Armenian exports, including agricultural products, flowers, mineral water and alcohol.

Mirzoyan argued that Armenia had fulfilled its obligations as an EAEU member and should be able to exercise the rights attached to that membership. He emphasized that restrictions on individual shipments over specific safety concerns could be understandable, but broader measures affecting products before they reached the Russian market were harder to justify. He cited restrictions on Armenian apricots as an example and called such measures inconsistent with EAEU rules.

Mirzoyan nevertheless noted that Armenia does not want to escalate the dispute with Moscow or turn differences into a public exchange of accusations. The Armenian foreign minister noted that the preferred approach was to resolve outstanding issues directly and in a constructive atmosphere, while calling for greater respect for Armenia’s right to make independent decisions.

The issue of the future direction of Armenia-Russia relations was also addressed at the leadership level on September 1, when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek. Pashinyan assessed the meeting as “very good” and said the two sides had agreed to continue their “frank and constructive conversation” during his upcoming visit to Moscow.

Pashinyan said Armenia-Russia relations remain extremely important to both countries and that Yerevan treats them with great care. According to Pashinyan, Armenia is interested in further developing and deepening relations with Russia and expressed the view that redefining the relationship under the new regional conditions could make it “better, more constructive, more mutually beneficial and warmer.”

Putin, for his part, made it clear that Armenia’s aspiration to join the European Union is the legitimate right of the country and its people, stressing that Armenia is a sovereign state and that Armenians should determine their own development path. At the same time, he said EU membership would create difficulties for Armenia’s continued participation in the Eurasian Economic Union. 

Separately, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has maintained that Russia considers its partnership with Armenia beneficial to both countries and their peoples, despite Pashinyan’s decision to remove the term “strategic” from the government programme. Peskov added that if Pashinyan holds a different position, Armenians could express their view through a referendum, if one is held.

Taken together, the latest statements from Yerevan and Moscow underline two parallel positions. Armenia wants to maintain and develop its relations with Russia, but argues that the partnership must be adjusted to new regional conditions and allow greater room for independent decision-making. Russia recognizes Armenia’s right to choose its own path, but continues to warn that closer integration with the EU could affect Armenia’s position within the EAEU and established economic ties.