Yerevan, September 4 – Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated at the Eastern Economic Forum that the potential introduction of a visa regime by Armenia for Russian citizens would be a step directed against Yerevan, not Moscow. Her comments come amidst ongoing discussions about bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Visa Regime: A Step Against Yerevan?
Zakharova highlighted the potential negative impact of such a policy, emphasizing that it would affect not only the Russian government but also its citizens, many of whom have close family ties in Armenia. “If Armenia suddenly imposes visas, it will stop not us, but its own citizens,” Zakharova told reporters, stressing the interconnectedness of the two nations’ populations.
She further noted that such a decision would particularly impact Russian citizens who have a large number of relatives in Armenia, potentially complicating family visits and cultural exchanges that have historically fostered strong bonds between the two countries.
Improving Bilateral Relations
Zakharova also called for an improvement in relations between Armenia and Russia, urging both sides to work towards strengthening their bilateral cooperation. She described statements by Alen Simonyan, a prominent Armenian political figure, as provocative and detrimental to cooperation with Moscow.
This sentiment was echoed in previous statements by Zakharova, who has consistently expressed concerns about political processes in Armenia. On August 27, 2026, she warned that Armenia was not only at risk of not joining the EU but also of irrevocably losing its relations with Russia. Furthermore, on August 22, 2026, she dismissed claims about the safety of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant as an attempt to disrupt Armenian-Russian cooperation.
Context of Broader Geopolitical Shifts
The discussion around a potential visa regime and the state of Armenian-Russian relations takes place within a broader context of geopolitical shifts. Armenia has been exploring closer ties with the European Union, a move that has been met with caution from Moscow. The implications of these shifts for Armenia’s foreign policy and its long-standing alliance with Russia remain a key point of discussion.
Zakharova’s repeated warnings underscore Russia’s concern over Armenia’s trajectory and its potential impact on regional stability and existing alliances. The Russian Foreign Ministry continues to monitor developments closely, advocating for a balanced approach that considers the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
The statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry serve as a clear message to Yerevan regarding the potential consequences of altering its relationship with Moscow. The future of Armenian-Russian cooperation and the possibility of a visa regime remain subjects of ongoing debate and diplomatic engagement.
Source: https://pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/09/03/%D4%B4%D5%A1-%D6%84%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%AC-%D5%AF%D5%AC%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B0%D5%A5%D5%B6%D6%81-%D4%B5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%A4%D5%A5%D5%B4/1979594
