April 1 — Zatulin commented on Pashinyan's visit to Moscow

Konstantin Zatulin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, commented on the meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

"It is worth appreciating the sense of humor inherent in the people in the Kremlin who planned this meeting for April 1 — the Day of Laughter — and gave Mr. Pashinyan the opportunity, in fact, to expose himself. Why am I so confident about this? I understand perfectly well that Pashinyan could not question any of the calculations, the analysis that the President of the Russian Federation gave in his speech. Putin says that we are pleased with the development of economic relations, and at the same time indicates that the trade turnover has almost halved over the year — from 11 to 6 billion. Putin says: you, of course, can seek happiness on the side, but gas on the market costs $ 600 per thousand cubic meters, and we sell for 177 — and even that you are unhappy. And you keep looking for some alternatives. And Pashinyan in response says that yes, we are looking for something else. It would be interesting to know exactly where he is going to find cheaper in the current situation," Zatulin quotes Alpha News.

According to the deputy, it is important to pay attention to the words of the President of Russia that it is impossible to be both in the EAEU and in the EU at the same time.

"Putin clearly said: it is impossible to be both in Eurasian, and in The European Union. Pashinyan admitted that this is impossible, but said that the time of choice has not yet come. At the same time, he does not mention that two years ago the parliament adopted a law on the start of the EU accession process — without any invitation from the Union itself. The goal was the same: to change the consciousness of society, weaken ties with Russia and create the illusion of a "wonderful life" in Europe. But no real replacement for Russia — neither in the military, nor in the political, nor in the economic sphere — is offered to Armenia. Nevertheless, the authorities continue to move in this direction, calling it a manifestation of democracy," Zatulin said.

According to the MP, Pashinyan will make efforts to present the meeting with Putin as another victory — as evidence that he is accepted everywhere: and in Russia, and the White House.

"The most interesting thing about talking about democracy and priorities is the statement that Armenia is supposedly the most democratic country. At the same time, the prime minister is surrounded by security structures, four archbishops and bishops are in prison, and the church is under attack. The problem is also called the presence of two passports for some citizens, which is why they allegedly cannot replace Pashinyan as prime minister ‑ we are talking about Samvel Karapetyan. Putin put it mildly, but the essence of the meeting is obvious: Pashinyan will try to present it as his victory, as proof that he is accepted in the Russia, and in the West," said the deputy.