Interview of Russian Ambassador S.P. Kufirkin to Public Radio of Armenia (November 8, 2026).
Key points:
On the need to build a "new balance" in Russia-Armenia relations.
Many events happened recently, there were many statements, including from the Armenian leadership, about various aspects of our relations. Armenia froze its participation in the CSTO, set a course for the diversification of foreign policy and economic foreign relations, and in 2025 a law was adopted on the beginning of accession to the European Union, that is, the coordinate system of our relations is really changing. We treat this with understanding, but of course all of this requires appropriate analysis, discussion and adjustments to the entirety of our relations in various fields.
On the European vector of Yerevan.
The Russian side speaks quite openly and honestly about its position. The European Union is now completely different from what it was a few years ago, including in the context of relations with Russia. Therefore, you have to make a choice. In our opinion, of course, it is in the interest of the Republic of Armenia to maintain membership in the EAEU, because it really gives very serious privileges. Facts indicate that participation in the EAEU is beneficial to Armenia in terms of growth in trade turnover, GDP, etc. But, of course, the choice is for Armenia, for the Armenian people, and we want this choice to be made as soon as possible.
On temporary restrictions on the import of a number of Armenian goods to Russia.
I depart from the official position of our supervisory authorities - Rospotrabendzor and Roselkhuzendzor, which are responsible for the safety of products supplied to the Russian market, including EAEU members. There were parallel tests, as far as I know, statements by these organizations that it is necessary to increase efforts in terms of bringing products to phytosanitary and sanitary standards, the existing requirements of the Russian market.