Russia criticizes Armenia over Zelensky’s presence at Yerevan summit

Thursday 07 May 2026 - 13:30

Tensions between Russia and Armenia have intensified after Moscow criticized Yerevan for hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a major international summit held in the Armenian capital this week.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Armenia’s decision as “incomprehensible,” expressing dissatisfaction over the participation of the Ukrainian leader in the European Political Community summit hosted in Yerevan. The event gathered numerous European and regional leaders to discuss political and security cooperation.

Armenia, a former Soviet republic with longstanding ties to Moscow, has recently sought to strengthen its relations with the European Union and Western partners. Following the summit, Armenian and European officials also held discussions aimed at expanding economic and security cooperation between Yerevan and the EU.

Russian officials reacted strongly to these developments, warning that closer Armenian-European cooperation could gradually distance Armenia from Russia’s sphere of influence. Moscow also expressed concern that Yerevan’s growing European ambitions may create political and economic consequences for the country in the future.

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, relations between Russia and several neighboring states have become increasingly sensitive. Armenia has attempted to balance its traditional alliance with Moscow while also diversifying its diplomatic partnerships.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia does not consider itself an ally of Russia regarding the war in Ukraine, highlighting the country’s evolving foreign policy position.

Russia and Armenia remain members of regional organizations such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union. Russia also maintains a military presence in Armenia, reflecting the historically strategic relationship between the two countries.