Comments from the Kremlin on the suspension of World cards in Armenia
The press secretary to the President of Russia, Dmitry Peskov, addressed the situation surrounding the temporary halt of World card services in Armenia. He explained that there is a clear rationale behind the move and highlighted a broader pattern. Moscow has repeatedly warned that many countries face intensified pressure from the United States and encounter both direct and indirect sanctions that affect financial operations.
Peskov emphasized that economic institutions, corporations, and banks often take protective steps to shield themselves from potential losses. This caution, he noted, does not imply a withdrawal from cooperation with Armenian partners. On the contrary, Russia remains engaged with Armenia as part of ongoing efforts to identify risks, mitigate damage, and stabilize the financial landscape amid external pressure. The Kremlin spokesperson stated that dialogue with Armenian colleagues continues, with the aim of compensating for losses caused by what is described as unprecedented American influence.
The timing of the development is tied to the actions of Armenian financial players. On the night of March 30, a substantial number of Armenian banks paused their use of the World card network. The national payment operator, ArCa, confirmed to TASS that banks processing payments through ArCa halted operations with the Russian payment system from that date. This shift reflects the broader challenges faced by financial institutions in navigating sanctions-related risk while attempting to maintain service continuity for customers who rely on cross-border payment options.
Observers have noted that the move could impact everyday transactions, cross-border trade, and consumer spending in Armenia. Businesses that previously relied on World card processing for international purchases may have had to adjust their payment acceptance strategies. At the same time, traders and financial services in Russia have shown a willingness to adapt, exploring alternative channels and reinforcing bilateral financial ties with partners who remain accessible despite external constraints.
Analysts have pointed to the delicate balance required in these circumstances. While sanctions and pressure can push financial partners to reassess risk, there is also a broader objective to preserve essential economic links. This includes maintaining reliable payment infrastructure for Armenian customers and ensuring continued cooperation in areas where both nations have common interests. The ongoing discussions between Moscow and Yerevan aim to chart a path that reduces disruption while acknowledging the realities created by external measures.
In summary, the Russian side frames the suspension of World card services in Armenia as a measured response within a larger strategic context. It underscores a commitment to working with Armenian institutions to manage risk, protect financial stability, and minimize the impact on ordinary citizens and businesses. As both sides continue conversations, the focus remains on preserving essential financial channels and stabilizing the cross-border payments environment under changing sanctions conditions.
Related discussion has سوالed how similar restrictions could influence trade flows and consumer activity between Russia, Armenia, and other partners. The evolving situation is being monitored by financial authorities and policymakers who are weighing the short-term effects against longer-term aims of resilience and continued cooperation in the region.