Russia Recalls Envoy to Armenia over EU Ties

Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia, Sergei Kopyrkin, for consultations in Moscow, citing the Armenian government's moves towards closer ties with the European Union, the Russian foreign ministry said.

Armenia, a formal Russian ally, has been deepening relations with the West in recent years despite its economic dependence on Moscow. Tensions are also rising ahead of parliamentary elections on 7 June. Polls show Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's pro-Western party leading the pro-Russian opposition.

The Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union has warned that it could consider suspending Armenia's membership if Yerevan continues to pursue EU accession, and has recommended that Armenia hold a referendum on the issue.

Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have deteriorated since the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. Armenia has repeatedly said Russia did not provide sufficient support during the fighting. Moscow, in turn, accuses Western countries of seeking to undermine its influence in the post-Soviet space.

(reuters, lud)