ArmInfo. In connection with Armenia, Russia plays one single role - the geopolitical one, acting as an ally, as a guarantor of ensuring the security and independence of the republic in the event of corresponding threats. Director of the EAEU Institute Vladimir Lepekhin expressed a similar opinion to ArmInfo.
"I personally do not see other political roles, other serious participation of Russia in the affairs of Armenia. The maximum is the participation of individual Russian politicians in discussions of various apolitical problems and issues of bilateral importance. As an example, I will mention the work of the Eurasian Club, of which I am one of the co-authors. Our job is to organize and conduct scientific conferences on integration issues, "he said.
In this light, Lepekhin does not see any Russian assistance to opponents of the Armenian government. First of all, in view of the continuation of the traditional foreign policy line of Moscow on priority cooperation with the authorities of any country in the world. In the expert's opinion public opinion in these countries plays a key role in this line, and it's not Russia's practice to neglect it.
In his opinion, Russia's exclusivity in relations with Armenia is more likely concentrated in the economy. And one of the main factors ensuring economic growth in Armenia is its participation in the EAEU. In particular, the maximum availability of the Russian market to Armenian exports.
"In my opinion, the chairmanship of Armenia in the EAEU in 2019 only strengthened the Armenian- Russian relations. And I assess the current level very positively. The development of relations between Armenia and Russia continues. Accordingly, we continue our work in this direction. And, in my opinion , it is the media of our countries that play a rather important role in this, " Lepekhin concluded.