Armenia’s policy of declaring its intention to join the European Union while using the opportunities provided by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is cynical.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin made the remarks in an interview with Vesti.

“Armenia should stop pursuing a deceitful policy, because if Armenia adopts a law declaring its intention to join the European Union, then why are you using the opportunities provided by the EAEU? Why are you deceiving its members? This is cynical and wrong. Just say: Are you going to the European Union? Go. But then you should not receive benefits here,” he said.

According to Volodin, Russia purchases almost 90% of Armenian products. At the same time, he noted that the Russian market could obtain similar agricultural products from other countries.

“There are many countries willing to sell to the Russian Federation. France wants to sell, and Italy does too, despite the sanctions. And in terms of quality, I think their wine is better than Armenian wine. The same applies to fruit. Turkiye, Georgia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan all want to sell their fruit and vegetable products in our country. But Armenia, as an EAEU member, has certain preferences. This is a matter of honesty and integrity,” the politician added.