Russia condemned the United States on Thursday for warning Armenia against business dealings with Russian firms that have been sanctioned by Washington as well as the European Union.
The Russian Embassy in Armenia reacted to the “thinly veiled threats” to the Armenian government and business community just hours after a statement on the matter released by U.S. Embassy in the country.
“We express concern over American attempts to complicate the work of Russian business in the Republic of Armenia,” the Russian mission said in a statement. “All Russian companies present in Armenia, including the VTB Armenia and Areksimbank banks, are under its jurisdiction, operate within the framework of the country’s legislation, make profits and pay taxes in Armenia, and employ a considerable part of the population.”
“The calls to end contacts with Russian companies disavow American officials’ hypocritical statements about [Washington’s] readiness to foster the development of Armenia’s economy,” read the statement.
Echoing the official Russian position, the embassy also denounced as “illegitimate” the U.S. sanctions imposed on Russian companies and individuals in connection with the continuing crisis in Ukraine. It said they will only worsen U.S.-Russian relations and undermine international security.