Yerevan, Armenia – Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, has issued a stark warning regarding Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s foreign policy direction. According to RIA Novosti, Medvedev stated that Pashinyan is actively pushing Armenia towards the ‘sad path of Bandera-like Ukraine’.
Pashinyan Accused of Severing Ties with Russia
Medvedev asserted that Pashinyan, despite holding the position of head of the Armenian government, has failed to appreciate numerous instances of fraternal assistance and support from Moscow. Instead, the Armenian leader has chosen a course aimed at severing relations with Russia.
“It is particularly dangerous that acting temporary official Nikol is actively pushing his homeland onto the sad path of Bandera-like Ukraine,” Medvedev emphasized, highlighting his concerns about the trajectory of Armenia’s geopolitical alignment.
Disregard for EAEU Benefits and Hosting ‘Enemies of Russia’
The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council also pointed out that Pashinyan, despite the benefits Yerevan has received from its membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), has refused to participate in the organization’s summits. Furthermore, Medvedev alleged that Pashinyan is hosting “insidious enemies of Russia” in Yerevan, suggesting a deliberate move to antagonize Moscow.
Medvedev’s remarks underscore growing tensions between Russia and Armenia, traditionally close allies. The rhetoric from the Russian official indicates a deepening rift, with Moscow perceiving Pashinyan’s actions as a betrayal of long-standing ties and a dangerous pivot towards Western influence, akin to Ukraine’s trajectory.
The Broader Context of Russia-Armenia Relations
This latest statement from Medvedev is not an isolated incident but rather part of an ongoing narrative from Russian officials expressing dissatisfaction with Pashinyan’s government. Earlier reports from May 25, 2026, also cited Medvedev stating that “Russia’s partner is the people of Armenia, not any Armenian official,” and that “Pashinyan has embarked on a path of severing relations with Russia.”
These comments follow a period of strained relations, particularly in the wake of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenia’s subsequent re-evaluation of its security alliances. Pashinyan’s administration has increasingly sought closer ties with Western powers, which Moscow views as a direct challenge to its influence in the South Caucasus region.
Implications for Armenia’s Future
The implications of Medvedev’s statements are significant for Armenia. Such strong accusations from a high-ranking Russian official could lead to further diplomatic and economic pressures on Yerevan. The comparison to Ukraine, a country currently in conflict with Russia, is particularly alarming and suggests a potential escalation of rhetoric if Armenia continues its current foreign policy course.
The Armenian government has yet to issue an official response to Medvedev’s latest comments. However, previous statements from Armenian officials, such as Ararat Mirzoyan’s responses to Lavrov and Medvedev on May 23, 2026, indicate a defensive stance, asserting Armenia’s sovereign right to pursue its own foreign policy interests.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaging in a war of words that could have profound consequences for the future of Armenia’s geopolitical orientation and its relationship with its traditional ally, Russia.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/05/25/%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A8-%D5%B4%D5%B2%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%A7-%D5%A4%D5%A5%D5%BA%D5%AB-%D5%88%D6%82%D6%84%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%AB-%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B2%D5%AB%D5%B6/1969330
