Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin has said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is pursuing an unfriendly policy towards Russia while continuing to benefit from opportunities provided by Moscow.


“In the opinion of State Duma deputies, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan is pursuing an unfriendly policy towards the Russian Federation, cynically exploiting the opportunities provided by our country,” Volodin wrote on Telegram.


The State Duma speaker added that Ukraine had once behaved in a similar manner. “This will lead nowhere good,” he stressed.


"It is quite obvious that Russia has done a great deal to help Armenia develop, including through the use of our resources. Armenian citizens who come to Russia are able to realise themselves here and support relatives and loved ones back home."


At the same time, Volodin said Russia would continue to maintain friendly relations with the Armenian people despite the current policies of the country’s government.


“Russia has always come to the aid of the Armenian people. The same applies today, and our attitude towards the people of Armenia remains friendly. At the same time, decisions must be made. We can no longer remain silent about the processes taking place in Armenia,” he said.


Volodin pointed to Armenia’s parliamentary approval of legislation launching the process of joining the European Union, as well as the country’s recognition of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and accession as a full member.


“All this leads to the conclusion that Pashinyan’s desire to remain in the Eurasian Economic Union is an attempt to continue using the Eurasian space for financial purposes, which has already resulted in Armenia’s GDP increasing 2.5-fold,” he said.


“Politically, Pashinyan has already made his decisions — in favour of building relations with countries unfriendly towards Russia, countries that are waging war against us, seeking to destroy the Russian Federation and hinder our development.”


Volodin also said Russia supplies gas to Armenia at almost four times below European prices, citing a price of $177.5 per 1,000 cubic metres for Armenia compared with $633 in Europe.


“In these difficult times, we are supporting Armenia’s economy and its citizens. And what do we receive in return? Pashinyan’s betrayal and dishonesty. This cannot continue,” he said.


By Aghakazim Guliyev