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.