If the crisis deepens, Russia may not even recognize the results of Armenia’s elections: Balasanyan

The tensions in Armenian-Russian relations are this time of a deeper and more dangerous nature, and the consequences may be unpredictable. This was stated by Grigor Balasanyan, an international relations expert, in a conversation with Alpha News.

According to him, if the two sides fail to find common ground, tensions will continue to mount, and under certain circumstances “after June 8, Russia may not even recognize the results of Armenia’s elections.” “I believe everything will become clearer after the EAEU summit, which will be held on May 28–29, as well as the decisions taken following it,” he said.

Balasanyan also noted that beyond the political level, Russia may also impose various restrictions on Armenian officials and businesspeople. “Some officials may be declared unwanted persons in Russia and banned from entering the country. Restrictions may also be applied to some MPs. Sanctions may be imposed in particular on those entrepreneurs and officials who have business interests in Russia or have relatives who also have businesses there,” Balasanyan emphasized.

In his assessment, such developments would cause serious damage primarily to the Armenian economy, but the consequences would not be limited to the economic sphere.

“This would also significantly weaken Armenia in terms of security, and a deepening of the crisis could become a temptation for certain forces to take steps against Armenia, including by military means,” the expert added.