Aze.US
Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan said his recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov took place in a working and non-confrontational atmosphere, despite sharply critical coverage in Russian state media.
Simonyan said the discussions contained “no aggression and no topics that could not be addressed,” adding that media reactions in Russia appeared significantly harsher than the tone of the переговоров themselves.
He stressed that Moscow, like any state, ultimately acts according to its own national interests.
Balancing Russia ties and EU ambitions
The speaker said Armenia does not intend to “jump from one geopolitical pole to another” and will continue relations with Russia in line with Armenian interests, while confirming a strategic course toward deeper integration with the European Union.
Armenia sees itself as a future EU member, Simonyan said, though he acknowledged that accession is unlikely in the near term. He pointed to transparent elections since 2018 and expanded human-rights protections as key steps in reducing past dependency.
Russian base and regional security risks
Simonyan said closing Russia’s military base in Gyumri is not currently under discussion, arguing that abrupt moves would be risky given the region’s security environment.
Armenia is instead gradually reassessing elements of its security cooperation with Moscow, he said.
Asked about a potential Russian military threat, Simonyan replied that no external actor can guarantee Armenia’s defense in a crisis, underscoring the need for cautious and balanced foreign policy.
Extraditions and criminal investigation
Simonyan said Armenia has not deported any Russian citizens for political reasons and that individuals who do not violate Armenian law remain safe in the country.
Regarding the killing of a Chechen woman in Yerevan, he said suspects have been identified and placed on a wanted list, adding that he would personally assist efforts related to the case and burial arrangements.
Peace agenda and U.S. role
The speaker expressed confidence that Armenian society supports a peace-focused political course and a final normalization of relations with Azerbaijan, saying upcoming elections would reinforce that direction.
He also thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for what he described as a “significant” contribution to the current stage of Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization.