Kremlin Seeks Clarification from Armenia Over Zelensky Remarks

(MENAFN) Russia has said it expects clarification from Armenia regarding its response to recent statements made by Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky during a summit held in Yerevan.

According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Moscow is concerned about what it views as a lack of reaction from Armenian authorities to remarks it considers anti-Russian in nature. He suggested that allowing such rhetoric at an official event contradicts the spirit of partnership between the two countries.

Zelensky attended a two-day meeting of the European Political Community in Yerevan, where he called for increased Western military and financial support for Ukraine. He also made statements referencing Russian security concerns ahead of Victory Day, including claims that Moscow feared potential Ukrainian drone activity over symbolic locations.

Following those remarks, Russia’s Defense Ministry warned that any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt Victory Day events would result in a strong retaliatory response.

Peskov stated that Moscow would “surely expect some explanations” from Armenia, pointing to what he described as a lack of effort to counterbalance the Ukrainian leader’s comments. He also questioned why such statements were made from Armenian territory, while emphasizing that Armenia retains full sovereignty over its foreign policy and the events it hosts.

In response, Russian diplomatic channels reportedly summoned Armenia’s ambassador in Moscow to express concern over what was described as the platforming of hostile rhetoric.

Despite the tension, Russian officials reiterated that they recognize Armenia’s right to conduct independent diplomacy and host international forums, while stressing that it should avoid positions perceived as openly anti-Russian.

Relations between Moscow and Yerevan have become more strained in recent years, particularly after political changes in Armenia in 2018 and subsequent disagreements over regional security developments in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Armenia later blamed Russia for insufficient support during the conflict with Azerbaijan.

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