Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has stated that any infringement on the interests of Russian economic entities in Armenia will not go without a response from Moscow. According to TASS, Galuzin challenged official assurances from Yerevan regarding the security of Russian investments, suggesting that such statements do not always align with reality.
Alexey Shevtsov, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, echoed these concerns, alleging that Armenian authorities are attempting to devalue Russian companies and their interests to pressure owners into divesting. Shevtsov claimed there are indications that Russian industrial and infrastructure enterprises in Armenia could become the next targets of such policies.
Shevtsov alleged that narratives regarding insufficient financing, negative impacts on the investment climate, environmental concerns, and low wages are being used to undermine these businesses. He argued that such tactics would harm the Armenian economy, noting that Russian businesses have created tens of thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product.
Galuzin also addressed the status of railway operations, asserting that the reality of the situation contradicts statements made by Yerevan. He maintained that the Russian company managing the infrastructure has invested its revenues into the maintenance, modernization, and development of the Armenian railway system for many years.
While Gazprom-Armenia remains one of the largest Russian companies operating in the country, there is currently no public dispute surrounding its operations. Discussions in Armenian analytical circles regarding the company have primarily focused on periodic suggestions from Russia regarding the implementation of market-based pricing for natural gas.
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