The Armenian authorities should hold a referendum on joining the European Union, which is what Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is seeking, said Russian President Vladimir Putin during a press conference organized after the Victory Day parade in Moscow. According to him, this issue “requires special consideration.”
— It would be right both for the population and for us, as the main economic partner, to make a decision as early as possible, for example to hold a referendum. “It's not our business, but it would be logical to hold a referendum and ask Armenian citizens what their choice will be,” he said. He added that a “gentle, intelligent and mutually beneficial divorce” could then be pursued.
He also emphasized one thing – that the war against Ukraine began “with this country's accession or attempted accession to the EU.”
He said a series of events and former president Viktor Yanukovych's refusal to integrate with the EU led to a “coup d'état” in Ukraine, which in turn led to “the Crimean incident, the situation in south-eastern Ukraine and military action.”
— That's why we shouldn't go to extremes, we just have to say at the right time that we will act this way and that way. There is nothing extraordinary about it. Everything has to be calculated. The Armenian side must calculate and so do we, Putin said.
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He added that this is a “serious issue” and noted that Armenia's plans for EU membership may become the subject of discussion at the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit.
Armenia's parliament approved a law on starting the country's EU accession process in spring 2025. In August, Pashinyan stated that Yerevan may withdraw from the EAEU as the republic strives for European integration. — We understand that simultaneous membership in the European Union and the EEU is impossible. When the moment of the final choice comes, we will make the appropriate decision, he emphasized.
Armenia's retreat
Earlier this week, a summit of the European Political Community (EPC) was held in Yerevan, attended by representatives of almost 50 countries. It was the first time that such a meeting was held in the capital of a country that is not only not part of the West, but has also long been considered to be part of Russia's orbit of influence.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who was present at the meeting, drew attention to the political changes in the country and praised Pashinyan for setting a course towards “European integration.”
On May 4, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the summit, which sparked a sharp reaction from the Kremlin. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Yerevan of “actions against Russia”, threatened a “serious deterioration” of bilateral relations and criticized Armenia for its “very cordial” welcome to Zelensky.
— Which side of history are you actually on? Who do you support in a historical context? asked Zakharova.
— Of course, we would probably expect some explanations from Yerevan, Dmitry Peskov, the press spokesman for the President of the Russian Federation, said on Sunday, commenting on this issue. He called it “abnormal” that Armenia provided Zelensky with “a platform to make completely anti-Russian statements.” “This does not fit the spirit of our relations with Yerevan,” Peskov said.
This is not the first time that Armenia has distanced itself from Russia. Recently, the country's prime minister announced that he would not go to the Victory Day parade in Moscow. This is part of a broader process of the country turning away from the Kremlin and looking for a path towards Europe.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
