Armenia is very important for Russia – Boris Shmelev

Speaking with Alpha News, Professor and Chief Researcher at the Center for Post-Soviet Studies Boris Shmelev commented on Armenian-Russian relations on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. According to the expert, 27 years is a good reason to think about the current achievements in the development of these relations.

“Today we celebrate the 27th anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship, cooperation, and interaction between Russia and Armenia. 27 years is not a round number, but it is a good reason to think about the achievements in the development of Russian-Armenian relations that we have now. Of course, the treaty that was signed 27 years ago between our two countries played a huge role in strengthening the sovereignty of Armenia and its political and economic independence.

Armenia is a small state, located on the periphery of the former Soviet Union. However, in terms of geopolitics and geostrategy, Armenia is very important for Russia. Plus, we have long-standing traditions with the Armenian people. They are a brotherly people, part of the Christian world. We have lived together in one state for many centuries, so Russia has always considered the development of relations with Armenia important,” Shmelev said.

“Russia is extremely interested in normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and stabilizing the situation in the South Caucasus. This also meets its geopolitical and geostrategic interests. However, this stabilization should not occur at the expense of infringing on Armenia’s rights and interests. Russia is trying to find a balance of interests between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Thanks to Russia, Armenia, in general, was able to maintain a certain economic stability in the country. The situation there in terms of economy is difficult. A small country with small market capacity. Armenia is very interested in the Russian market, and Russia provides Armenia with an opportunity to sell its products, to develop economic cooperation between the two countries. Armenia actually receives cheap gas from Russia. This is also very important. There is a Russian military base in Armenia as well. This is a guarantee of the country’s security. Whatever they say in Armenia, whatever forces are currently active there—and there are quite powerful anti-Russian forces there that are aimed at turning it away from Russia towards the West—nevertheless, all reasonable people in Armenia understand that this could end badly for the country. The consequences will be very grave for them,” Shmelev noted.

According to the expert, the countries have good prospects for cooperation; what matters is that Yerevan should understand this and not overestimate the bait from the West. “Russia has allied relations with Armenia, and Russia does not refuse to fulfill its obligations under this treaty. Everyone understands that an attack on Armenia would mean an attack on the Soviet Union, on Russia, and Russia will respond appropriately. So, here we can say that Armenian-Russian relations have been developing steadily all these years. Not without problems, not without difficulties, which is also quite natural. After all, we are talking about relations between two states, two sovereign states. Perhaps there are various nuances. I am optimistic about the future of relations between our two countries and peoples. It seems to me that now we need to focus on the development of economic relations. We have good prospects. What matters is that Yerevan should understand the importance of Russia’s cooperation and not overestimate all those initiatives, all those baits that the West is now making,” Shmelev concluded.