In response to discussed proposals to deepen relations between Armenia and the European Union, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the critical role of the Russian military base in Gyumri in guaranteeing Armenian sovereignty. The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the presence of the 102nd Russian Military Base (RMB) and Russian border guards is the only real guarantee of the sovereignty of the Armenian state, rejecting ideas that involve strengthening the military potential of Armenia through the withdrawal of these forces as “dangerous demagoguery.”

In the context of the “Network of Friends of Armenia” report, which proposes a number of security measures, including a proposal for Armenia to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its disagreement, pointing out contradictions to common sense. The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that Armenia is the main beneficiary of the EAEU and points to the uncertainty of the conditions for Armenia to gain access to the EU common market, as suggested by the report. It is also noted that the European Union views Armenia as a source of resources and profit, without taking into account the interests of the country.

The Russian military base in Gyumri was located in accordance with the interstate agreement of 1995, and in 2010 its stay was extended until 2044. Despite this, there are calls in Armenia for the termination of this treaty, which raises concerns in Russia in light of current geopolitical realities and discussions about the future security and foreign policy of Armenia.