As a result of the Skripal case, it is not mandatory that the USA’s new sanctions against Russia (a new wave of sanctions will take place in November) will negatively impact the economies of Russia and its colleagues. This is the opinion of Russian economist Igor Kovalyov.
He spoke in a video interview with reporters from the ‘Sputnik Armenia’ headquarters. “The Eurasian Economic Union is stable as a result of those sanctions since the countries subject to the sanctions are looking for new markets and investments. Of course, having an economic union with allied nations is a natural and smart response to pressure from sanctions, which Russia is subjected to right now.”
According to Kovalyov, there still aren’t fundamental reasons as to why there is economic pressure on Russia. “We are used to having to deal with these sanctions. Thanks to them, agriculture has advanced. We are actively working not only with the EAEU, but also Turkey and Iran.” As far as what the effects of the sanctions will be on Armenian projects in Russia, such as “Armenal” (a part of the Russian aluminum export project), the expert had difficulty saying. He instead emphasized, “It is only as a result of the sanctions that the countries of the EAEU begin to discuss their problems together. The opinions of colleagues are taken into consideration, unlike in private issues. The experience of the EAEU shows that sanctions are defeatable.”
In regard to Armenia, a fellow member of the EAEU, Igor Kovalyov noted, “We have serious military collaborations. Many experts think that it’s the collaboration in military technology that is the pivotal factor in Armenian-Russian relations, which brings the two countries closer and gives way to new projects.”
Luiza Sukiasyan
