In an interview with the Czech magazine Respekt on May 15, referring to the issue of anti-Russian sanctions in the context of increasing exports from Armenia to the Russian Federation, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that after the events in Ukraine, the logistics chains of cargo transportation had been disrupted or did not function at all. "Many goods that were delivered directly to Russia are now going to the Russian market through Armenia, Kazakhstan, and other countries," he added.

"For example, drinks not subject to sanctions are not a problem. Until February 2022, they went through Poland and Belarus; now, they go through Armenia. It is not only about changing routes; most European carriers also refuse direct cooperation with the Russian market. And Russian carriers cannot deliver them to Poland. Thus, completely new logistics routes were created, including through the territory of Armenia," the head of the Armenian government said.

According to him, at the same time, the republic's authorities are trying to be as transparent as possible regarding sanctioned goods, cooperating in this matter with the EU and the United States. "We are a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and have very close economic ties with Russia. Armenian businesses are eager to participate in the programs created recently. Where there is free space, we are happy to meet Russian demand. Sanctions are our red line. And we say this very clearly to the Russians: we don't want to hurt you, but we can't afford to be sanctioned. There is no secret here," Pashinyan said.