Shoigu Alleges "Raider-Style Takeover" of Russian Assets in Armenia

Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, stated that Armenian authorities are shifting their foreign policy course, distancing themselves from Moscow while expanding cooperation with Western nations. He made these remarks during a meeting of the Presidium of the Security Council’s Scientific-Expert Council.

Shoigu recalled that in the 1990s, Russia provided aid to help Armenia overcome economic and energy crises. He noted that during the republic's ten years of membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), its economy had nearly tripled in size.

"At the same time, the current authorities have set a course toward severing ties with Russia and strengthening cooperation with the West," he declared.

According to Shoigu, Yerevan is also expanding its engagement with NATO. Yet, the Russian side believes Armenian authorities continue to take advantage of the benefits offered by the EAEU and the CSTO. The Security Council Secretary described this attitude toward regional integration mechanisms as "consumerist."

Shoigu specifically addressed the situation surrounding Russian companies in Armenia. He stated that Yerevan’s unfriendly policy is evident in its treatment of enterprises with Russian investment—affecting not just individual companies, but entire sectors.

"An unfriendly stance and blatant double standards are being applied to Russian businesses operating in Armenia. What is happening to the enterprises and entire industries where Russia has invested billions can only be described as a 'raider-style seizure,'" Shoigu said.

The Security Council Secretary cited the Armenian railways as an example. He noted that Yerevan claims Russian management of the railway system hinders Armenia's integration into international rail networks—an argument Shoigu dismissed as "frankly absurd." Addressing the issue of Armenia's relations with the European Union, Shoigu stated that Moscow has no intention of financing the republic's European integration. He cited the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to which Yerevan must choose between joining the EU and maintaining its participation in the EAEU.

"Russia is not prepared to finance—and will not finance—Armenia's European integration, and every step in this direction carries objective consequences," the Security Council Secretary declared.

Последние новости
Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan must be
Politics
Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia and recalled a "stab in the back"
5 October 2026

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the country must be "ten times stronger" than Armenia "every day," explaining this by the need to maintain military superiority even after the initialing of a peace agreement between the two countries. He outlined his position on October 2 at the 8th Congress of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party in Baku.

Rally held in Oslo demanding investigation into death of 14-year-old Chechen girl
Society
Rally held in Oslo demanding investigation into death of 14-year-old Chechen girl
5 October 2026

A rally by members of Norway’s Chechen diaspora was held outside the Norwegian parliament in Oslo on 4 October, calling for an investigation into the death of 14-year-old Maryam Mutsalkhanova, who died while in the care of the child welfare service Barnevernet.

Kadyrov assumes office as Head of Chechnya for the fifth time on his 50th birthday
Politics
Kadyrov assumes office as Head of Chechnya for the fifth time on his 50th birthday
5 October 2026

Ramzan Kadyrov assumed office today as the Head of the Chechen Republic for a new five-year term.

Another Moscow man apologises on his knees for insulting Chechens
Society
Another Moscow man apologises on his knees for insulting Chechens
5 October 2026

A Moscow blogger recorded a video apologising after making offensive remarks about Chechens during a livestream. In the video, he is seen kneeling and addressing the Chechen people:
​“I want to sincerely apologise to Chechnya for my words. At the time, I was drunk and said too much, but that is no excuse for my behaviour. I understand that my words could have been perceived as disrespectful to you and to your people, the people of Chechnya. I did not intend to show disrespect, and I sincerely regret what I said. I ask for your forgiveness! I respect you and understand that I should have watched what I said, regardless of the state I was in. This will not happen again on my part,” the blogger said.