Plans by the United States and the European Union involving Armenia could lead to a deterioration of the situation in the South Caucasus, according to Viktor Vasilyev, chairman of the CSTO Permanent Council and Russia’s permanent representative to the organization. He made the remarks at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum.

“U.S. plans to supposedly ensure the security of the Zangezur corridor, the intentions of EU countries to incorporate Armenia into their military structures, as well as other unfriendly steps being taken in the region, will in the long term lead to a further escalation of the situation in the region,” he said.

Vasilyev also stated that the Collective Security Treaty Organization is monitoring developments and keeping the situation under observation.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the Eurasian Economic Union remains the most effective integration framework for Armenia compared with other possible directions.

“We are convinced that this integration process, particularly the EAEU, adds a significant percentage to Armenia’s GDP growth every year. We are convinced that, in all its qualitative characteristics, our integration process substantially surpasses alternative options,” he said.

Peskov also expressed hope that both the Armenian people and the country’s current leadership would ultimately reach the same conclusion after assessing the situation.

“We are interested in that outcome and will continue our relations with Armenia. We have many common interests. Russia is a major investor in Armenia. Therefore, there is much work to be done, and our relations will continue to develop,” Peskov added.

During the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Astana on May 29, the presidents of four EAEU member states — Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan — adopted a statement concerning Armenia. The statement proposed that Armenia hold a referendum as soon as possible on choosing between the EAEU and the European Union.

In recent days, various Russian officials have also stated that if Armenia continues moving toward the European Union, it could lose access to Russian natural gas supplied on preferential terms.