Shoigu called the treatment of enterprises in Armenia with multibillion-dollar Russian capital a raider takeover

ArmInfo.  Secretary of the Security Council (SC) of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu called the treatment of enterprises in Armenia, into which Russia has invested billions, a “raider takeover.”

"An unfriendly policy and blatant "double standards" are being displayed toward Russian businesses operating in Armenia. What is happening with enterprises and entire industries into which Russia has invested billions can hardly be called anything other than a "raider takeover," he said at a meeting of members of the presidium of the scientific­expert council of the Security Council.

"At the same time, the arguments being put forward are frankly absurd—for example, that Armenia is losing opportunities to integrate into international railway networks if Russia continues to manage the Armenian railways," Shoigu continued.

He then pointed to Yerevan’s evident desire to expand cooperation with NATO and the Armenian side’s blatantly consumerist attitude toward the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

According to him, the current situation with Armenia is highly illustrative. "Let me remind you that in the 1990s Russia saved this country from economic and energy collapse, while over ten years of membership in the EAEU, its economy grew nearly threefold. At the same time, the current authorities have embarked on a course of severing ties with Russia and strengthening cooperation with the West," Shoigu noted.

Thus, the Russian Security Council secretary drew attention to Yerevan’s desire to expand cooperation with NATO and its blatantly consumerist attitude toward the mechanisms of regional integration, primarily the EAEU and the CSTO.

At the same time, he emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made Moscow’s position regarding the European path absolutely clear: Armenia needs to decide on its course and hold a referendum on joining the EU or remaining in the EAEU. "I want to emphasize: Russia is not ready and will not finance Armenia’s European integration, and every step in this direction has objective consequences," Shoigu said.

The Russian official stated that Western countries had always sought to minimize Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus, and that the West’s aspirations had not changed today. "The South Caucasus has historically always been an object of close attention from Western countries. This is due to its geographical location and resource base.  For centuries, Europeans have sought to create there an anti-Russian foothold, a buffer, and a corridor to their colonies in Asia, while simultaneously striving by any means to minimize Russia’s influence. They incited anti-Russian sentiment, encouraged smuggling and separatism, flooded the region with weapons, and provoked wars and conflicts," he said.

According to him, the West needs control over the region’s resources and logistical capabilities. Historically, the region is a link between Central Asia and Europe, between the Caspian and Black seas, between the North and the South, and between the West and the East.  In this context, he drew attention to the fact that Armenia and Georgia are facing open and brazen Western interference in the political situation.  Shoigu said that, taking these trends into account, Russia should act in a targeted and precise manner, firmly defending its interests.

On May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking with journalists, suggested that Armenia decide as soon as possible on its membership in the EU and the EAEU, indicating a readiness to "begin a civilized divorce" if necessary. Yerevan responded by saying that it would leave the EAEU when it deemed it necessary. And already on May 29, the heads of 4 of the 5 EAEU countries adopted a resolution recommending that Armenia hold a referendum on the issue of the country’s continued membership in the EAEU. On the same day, the Russian president stated that Armenia would not be able to sit on two chairs and needed to make its choice as soon as possible.

It should be noted that on January 9, 2025, the Armenian government approved a draft law initiating the process of joining the European Union, proposed by the civic initiative "Eurochoice".  The draft was sent to the Armenian parliament for approval. On March 26, the country’s parliament adopted it in its final reading and sent it to the president for signature.  The document was signed on April 4 of the same year. Moscow stated that Russia had made it clear to Armenia that simultaneous membership in the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union was impossible. -