Russia recalls ambassador from Armenia over growing EU ties ahead of elections

By  News On Air   May 31, 2026

Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia, Sergei Kopyrkin, to Moscow for consultations amid growing concerns over Yerevan’s efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union ahead of the June 7 elections.

In a statement released today, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Ambassador Kopyrkin had been recalled in connection with steps taken by the Armenian leadership toward rapprochement with the European Union.

Although Armenia remains a formal ally of Russia, it has deepening ties with Western countries in recent ​years despite its economic dependence on Moscow. The move comes a day after a Russian-led economic union of former Soviet republics said that it would consider suspending Armenia for seeking ​EU membership and called on Yerevan to hold a referendum.