Major changes in Russian-Armenian relations are unlikely – Igor Semenovsky

Speaking with Alpha News, political scientist Igor Semenovsky commented on the visit of Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan to Moscow, the prospects of Armenian-Russian relations, as well as the recent Russia–Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi mediated by the United States.

“It is unlikely that the visit will bring any revolutionary or structural changes to the Russian-Armenian agenda, given the painful factors of recent years. The results will have to be assessed by the dynamics of rhetoric and actions of the Russian and Armenian sides in the coming quarter. Obviously, the most sensitive issues, such as Armenia’s withdrawal from the CSTO or accusations against neighbors, remain relevant. Alen Simonyan tried to soften his rhetoric shortly before the visit, particularly in interviews with Armenian media, but diplomatically it looked more like ‘putting on a brave face.’ Even judging by the open part of the joint session and the meeting with the foreign minister, it was clear that the conversation was not a candid one—serious and difficult issues were on the table. It is too early to draw conclusions, but major changes in Russian-Armenian policy are unlikely,” Semenovsky said.

According to the political scientist, the actions of Armenia’s current leadership may negatively affect the economy and ordinary citizens.

“It should be recalled that this was initially an inter-parliamentary visit—a meeting with the chairman of the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, who is responsible for interregional cooperation and largely for Russia’s foreign policy framework. At the meeting and briefing, journalists raised a range of unresolved issues, to which the Armenian parliament speaker tried to respond. For example, he spoke about readiness to join those who defend the Armenian Apostolic Church, emphasized that Armenia never acts against Russia, but only seeks a balanced policy. Behind these words lies something greater—the positions discussed at other platforms such as Brussels, Prague, and others. On the one hand, this was a courtesy visit, since it is impossible not to respond to accumulated questions and grievances. On the other hand, the actions of Armenia’s current leadership risk harming the economy and ordinary people—those working in agriculture, services, energy, and other sectors,” Semenovsky noted.