“I am against cutting ties with Russia, we won’t be able to afford gas at $600”: a poll in Tavush

In Armenia, the question of foreign policy orientation and relations with neighboring states continues to be at the center of the most heated public debates. In the view of Tavush region residents, it is impossible to sustain a state without normal relations with neighbors and allies, and stoking anti-Russian sentiment could have catastrophic consequences for the country.

“We want both to join the European Union and to maintain economic relations with Russia. That is impossible,” one poll participant noted.

In the opinion of those asked, Armenia needs to sensibly assess the geopolitical realities and understand what it wants.

“We need to take a look at the world with sense as it stands today. Russia is pursuing its own policy, I do not blame it for that. How is it that Donald Trump can change the presidents of various countries wherever he pleases, while Russia cannot apply sanctions against Armenia, which is considered part of its sphere of influence?” another respondent emphasized.

Citizens also expressed serious concerns about the coming winter and an energy crisis, as a potential rise in gas prices could hit socially vulnerable groups very hard.

“If the gas price reaches $600, people will be unable to pay, they simply will not be able to afford it. That is why I say I am against cutting ties with Russia,” a poll participant added.

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