Russia recalls envoy to Armenia for ‘consultations’ over Yerevan’s EU ties

Russia said Saturday it had recalled its ambassador to Armenia for “consultations” over Yerevan’s growing ties with the EU, a day after President Vladimir Putin warned the Caucasus country against pivoting to Brussels.

Armenia has angered the Kremlin by warming ties with the EU in recent years, frustrated with Russia’s perceived failure to protect it during conflicts with Azerbaijan.

“The Russian ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, S. Kopyrkin, has been recalled to Moscow for consultations on steps taken by the Armenian leadership on a rapprochement with the European Union, undermining cooperation within Eurasian Economic Union,” Moscow’s foreign ministry said in a statement, referencing the Russian-led customs union.

The diplomat was called back after Putin escalated his rhetoric on Armenia during a summit with allies.

Speaking in Kazakhstan on Friday, Putin said the “Ukrainian scenario” began with Kyiv trying to join the EU and called on Armenia to hold a…