Armenia could be seriously weakened and face severe consequences if it gives up Russia’s 102nd military base, State Duma lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky said in comments to NEWS.ru.

Vodolatsky, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously made clear that Moscow could quickly remove the base and relocate it elsewhere if Yerevan decided that the Russian military presence was no longer needed.

The lawmaker argued that the current policy pursued by the Armenian leadership is pushing the country toward the loss of its sovereignty. He placed responsibility on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accusing him of agreeing on such a political course with Western countries while visiting France as a guest of President Emmanuel Macron.

Vodolatsky also accused Pashinyan of betraying the interests of his own people. He warned that the withdrawal of the Russian base could lead to a repeat of tragic events from Armenia’s past, including another genocide of Armenians.

He further claimed that Russia had previously saved the country from such a fate and argued that the West does not need Armenia in its current form. According to the deputy, the republic is now following the path of other states that, in his view, have already lost their sovereignty.

Vodolatsky described Yerevan’s current course as a road toward a deep abyss. He also expressed confidence that most Armenians remain committed to friendly relations with Russia and will not tolerate the current situation indefinitely.

Earlier, Pashinyan said Armenia no longer considers the presence of Russia’s 102nd military base vital to its security. He also stated that Yerevan would not obstruct Moscow if Russia decided to withdraw its troops from the republic.