Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has criticized Armenia’s growing engagement with Western institutions, arguing that Yerevan is moving away from Moscow while expanding cooperation with NATO. He also raised concerns over the treatment of Russian-owned businesses and investments in Armenia.

Speaking at a meeting of the Russian Security Council’s Scientific and Expert Council on September 17, Shoigu described Armenia as a prominent example of what Moscow views as a broader Western effort to reduce Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus. He maintained that Armenian authorities were pursuing closer ties with the West while taking a more transactional approach to the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

Shoigu also challenged the Armenian government’s approach to Russian businesses. Russian Security Council Secretary alleged that Russian companies and industries in Armenia that received billions of dollars in Russian investment were facing unfriendly treatment and what he characterized as a “hostile takeover.” He specifically cited the management of Armenia’s railway system and Yerevan’s argument that continued Russian control could hinder its integration into international rail networks.

On Armenia’s European integration, Shoigu claimed that Russia would not finance Yerevan’s efforts to move toward the European Union. According to a Russian official, Armenia would ultimately have to determine whether it intends to pursue EU membership or remain within the EAEU framework.

Shoigu separately objected to what he framed as Western involvement in the South Caucasus, stating that the United States and European countries were seeking to weaken Russia’s and Iran’s positions in the region and promote their own political models. He pointed to Armenia and Georgia as examples of what Moscow views as a growing Western influence.

On Azerbaijan, Shoigu further added that Moscow and Baku had overcome the recent period of tension in their bilateral relations and that the two countries should now focus on further developing cooperation within their existing agreements.