Armenia reacted with strong opposition to a proposal to join Russia’s Union State. Former Nagorno-Karabakh security council secretary Vitaly Balasanyan suggested aligning Armenia with the Union, mirroring the Soviet Union, sparking outrage from the ruling Civil Contract party. Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan vehemently denounced Balasanyan, accusing him of betraying Armenia and advocating for a future where the nation’s independence is unattainable.
He declared, “Let them bang their heads against the wall.”
The proposal, involving Russia and Belarus, which signed the Union State treaty in 1999, aiming for deeper political, economic, and military integration, was met with diverse reactions. While opposition political forces refrained from direct criticism ahead of the June parliamentary elections, figures like Civil Contract head Hayk Konjoryan condemned the idea as a betrayal, accusing Balasanyan and others of seeking to sell Armenia’s sovereignty. Balasanyan, backed by Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, argued that a shift in the global political landscape necessitates adaptation.
He questioned the relevance of upcoming elections amidst a “catastrophic” international situation. The ruling party expressed concerns about potential corruption, questioning whether the state would be “auctioned off.”
Several political factions, including those led by Robert Kocharyan and Gagik Tsarukyan, reiterated Armenia’s commitment to preserving its independence, rejecting the notion of joining the union. Experts highlighted the potential limitations on Armenia’s decision-making power within the Union State, referencing Belarus’s previous experience.
Calls were made to exclude influential figures from the upcoming elections, with Ruben Rubinyan urging voters to “burn bridges with oligarchs.” The debate surrounding the possibility of Armenia joining the union underscores ongoing tensions and strategic considerations for the country.
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