Pashinyan publicly clashed with Putin over Armenia's future in the EAEU
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Armenia’s move toward joining the European Union would effectively mean its withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union. During a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, he called on Yerevan to decide more quickly on its future course and put the issue to a referendum.
Vladimir Putin met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and stated that Moscow is ready to continue developing relations with Yerevan. At the same time, a significant portion of their conversation was devoted to Armenia’s plans to join the European Union.
The agency reports this panorama.am.
Putin stated that Russia recognizes Armenia’s right to determine its own future. According to him, Moscow does not object to Yerevan’s aspiration to join the EU itself. “Armenia’s aspiration to join the EU is a natural and legitimate right of the country and its people. Armenia is a sovereign state, and it is up to the Armenian people to determine the direction of their development,” said the Russian president.
However, Putin went on to say that this course of action creates problems for Armenia’s continued participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). He believes that simultaneous membership in both economic blocs is impossible due to differing trade rules and technical standards. Later in the conversation, Putin spoke even more bluntly. He disagreed with Pashinyan’s statement that Armenia had allegedly not announced its withdrawal from the EAEU. “The adoption of a law initiating the procedure for joining another economic organization effectively constitutes a declaration of withdrawal from ours,” Putin stated.
According to him, Armenia’s simultaneous membership in both the EU and the EAEU is “incompatible.” Therefore, in the Russian president’s view, Yerevan must decide which direction to move in next. “Being in both at the same time is incompatible—that’s the problem,” Putin said.
He also stated that the final decision must be made by the Armenian people themselves. “Well, then make that decision, and we’ll put this issue to rest—that’s all. The simplest thing is to turn to the people and ask, ‘What do you want?’ And that’s it,” said the Russian president.
Putin recalled that Pashinyan had previously spoken about the possibility of holding a referendum on the country’s European course. According to the Russian president, he supported this idea during one of the EAEU summits. At the same time, the Russian side made it clear that it is closely monitoring Yerevan’s decisions. Putin stated that it is important for Russia to understand how to build future economic relations with Armenia.
He cited economic arguments in favor of continuing cooperation within the EAEU. According to Putin, Russia remains Armenia’s main trade and economic partner. Russia accounts for about 30% of the country’s foreign trade, and in the first half of 2026, trade between the two countries totaled about $2.5 billion, according to Russian sources.
Putin also stated that Armenia’s GDP has grown significantly over the years of its participation in Eurasian integration processes. He cited his own data, according to which Armenia’s GDP was approximately $10.6 billion in 2015 and $29.2 billion at the end of 2025.
Putin also highlighted Armenia’s trade with other EAEU countries. According to him, Armenia’s exports to the union countries increased tenfold during this period, and the EAEU market now accounts for about 36% of Armenia’s foreign trade turnover.
The Russian president warned that Armenia’s possible accession to the EU could alter these economic ties. In particular, problems could arise regarding customs regulations, standards, and the movement of goods. “Certain issues, such as the regulation of agricultural products and the regulation of various technical norms and standards—they are completely different in the EAEU and the EU,” Putin stated.
He also mentioned the possibility of European goods entering the Russian market via Armenia. According to Putin, following a change in economic policy, this could create additional problems for Moscow. “There will definitely be problems related to the flow of European goods, services, and so on into our market via Armenia. There are a thousand issues there,” he said.
At the same time, Putin stated that Russia is allegedly ready to respect whatever decision Armenia makes. However, he urged Yerevan not to delay in determining its course. “Whatever Armenia decides, so be it. But we must adjust our trade and economic policies in light of these possible decisions,” said the Russian president.
For Armenia, the issue of relations with the EU and the EAEU has become particularly important against the backdrop of Yerevan’s gradual distancing from Moscow. In recent years, the Armenian government has been deepening its ties with Western countries and has declared its intention to move closer to the European Union. At the same time, Armenia remains a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. That is why Yerevan’s potential shift toward Europe could have serious consequences for its economic relations with Moscow and other members of the union.
During the meeting, Putin effectively made it clear that Russia does not plan to ignore these changes. Moscow wants a clear understanding from Yerevan as to whether Armenia will maintain its current economic ties with the EAEU or move toward a different model of cooperation through closer ties with the EU. At the same time, Putin’s remarks about Armenia’s “de facto withdrawal” from the EAEU are solely his own assessment. The final decision on the country’s foreign policy and economic course must be made by Armenia in accordance with its own laws and procedures. This is reported by Russian media.
