Konstantin Zatulin: No state, especially Russia, will stand idly by as they try to humiliate its citizens 

Speaking with Alpha News, Russian MP Konstantin Zatulin commented on the actions and statements of the Armenian authorities, the reconsideration of political and allied relations, and how this may affect the Armenian economy.

“I think that such actions will have an impact on the Armenian economy because, in this situation, the risks for economic relations are increasing. And of course, no state, especially one like Russia, will stand idly by as they are trying to humiliate its citizens, trying to humiliate Russia itself. They promote anti-Russian rhetoric, shut down those media outlets that still remain, and keep in touch with us, for example, Sputnik Radio. Of course, all this creates risks for economic relations and these risks can detonate.

In fact, as far as I understand, and I know what I’m talking about, since I met with officials in our government who are in charge of this, Russia has no plan for some kind of economic blockade of Armenia for its political line. There are no plans to punish Armenia.

Those people who came to Armenia in early 2022—ordinary people, far from political analysis—did not think that relations between Russia and Armenia could deteriorate. Russia was involved in the peacekeeping process; the complications in the Lachin corridor had just begun, and at that moment, no accusations were made against Russia. On the contrary, it was said that Russia is controlling everything that is happening in Nagorno-Karabakh, and in this situation, for many, a trip to Armenia looked comfortable, especially for those who were born in Armenia, have acquaintances there, and so on. This is no longer the case. Believe me, I have many friends and acquaintances among Armenians in Russia, and it seems to me that Armenians in Russia are not just confused by the course of the Armenian government; they are outraged. They are afraid that all this may lead to complications in relations between peoples, and this will primarily affect them because they live here in Russia. Of course, I am sure that we will not allow this.

Nevertheless, I can say that it is unlikely that today we will welcome investments in Armenia or develop plans for a new rise in economic cooperation. Yes, we are trying to maintain relations in the economy, but nothing more. This is bad news for Armenia, because Armenia still very much depends on this turnover with Russia. Until now, Russia has been the main investor in the Armenian economy. Maybe now the Pashinyan government believes that Turkiye and Azerbaijan will replace Russia. Well, if the Armenian authorities are satisfied with the attitude that Azerbaijan demonstrates towards Armenians… Try it, maybe something will work out,” Zatulin concluded.15:15