Russia says it will deepen economic and humanitarian ties with Armenia

Russia said it intends to deepen economic and humanitarian cooperation with Armenia and framed that policy as part of long-running efforts to support the country’s development and regional security. The remarks came alongside Kremlin comments highlighting Armenia’s economic gains from Eurasian Economic Union membership and ahead of talks involving the bloc’s ties with Yerevan.

Quick Facts

Russia said it will develop economic and humanitarian cooperation with Armenia
Russian officials said Armenia has benefited economically from EAEU membership
Kremlin officials said EAEU membership cannot be ended by unilateral expulsion
Leaders were expected to discuss the bloc's ties with Armenia
Maria Zakharova

Russia plans to continue developing economic and humanitarian cooperation with Armenia, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. She said Moscow’s approach has focused for decades on supporting Armenia’s development and addressing regional security challenges on the basis of mutual respect.

Zakharova said Russia’s policy toward Armenia has aimed not only at economic and humanitarian ties, but also at reducing conflict risks in the region. Her remarks came as Russian officials continued to emphasize the benefits Armenia has derived from its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union.

Earlier, presidential aide Yury Ushakov said Armenia had seen substantial gains from EAEU membership, including stronger trade, higher wages and robust economic growth. He said Armenia’s exports to EAEU countries had risen sharply, while the bloc accounted for a significant share of the country’s trade and exports.

The comments were made in the context of discussions in Moscow and ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s trip to Astana, where leaders were expected to address the bloc’s relations with Yerevan. Kremlin officials also reiterated that EAEU membership cannot be terminated by unilateral expulsion and would require a decision by the member state itself.

Topics

Politics Business World

#Russia #trade #Maria Zakharova #Astana #humanitarian cooperation #Armenia #Yury Ushakov #Eurasian Economic Union

Why This Matters

This signals Moscow’s continued effort to keep Armenia economically and politically anchored to Russian-led structures, which matters for trade, labor flows, and regional security calculations. Businesses and policymakers should watch for any follow-on decisions on EAEU-Armenia relations, because they could affect export access, investment conditions, and the balance of influence in the South Caucasus.

Timeline & Sources

May 26, 2026

Wire

Maria Zakharova said Russia would continue developing economic and humanitarian cooperation with Armenia.